Three more ‘slavery’ arrests in Wales
Andy Davies
Home Affairs Correspondent
Three more suspects have been arrested in connection with allegations of slavery and a third alleged victim has been recovered from one of the sites being searched by detectives.
Officers from Gwent Police confirmed they went to an address in St Brides, Newport, and found a 60-year-old British man. He is being assessed by specialist Red Cross staff.
A spokesman added that men aged 53, 38 and 20 were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of slavery and servitude offences.
The arrests came two days after a Polish man was recovered from a farm in nearby Peterstone, Newport.
Earlier this year, a Kidderminster man was found at the same site in Peterstone after going missing 13 years ago while on holiday in the South Wales resort of Porthcawl. Darrell Simester, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, disappeared while on a holiday in Porthcawl. He was found with torn clothes and teeth missing.
He told police he was forced to work 12 hours a day and was too scared to try to escape, according to reports.
The number of people arrested as part of Operation Imperial now stands at seven.
Tuesday’s raids – at addresses in Cardiff, Penhow in Monmouthshire and Marshfield – came after police received further claims that people were being kept in poor conditions and forced to work for no pay.
A 66-year-old man and a woman, 42, both from Marshfield, a Cardiff man, 36, and a woman, 42, from Penhow, have been questioned in custody.
Long running investigation
Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths, who is leading the Gwent police investigation – codenamed Operation Imperial – said: “This investigation is dynamic and fast moving and involves a number of different agencies working together in partnership.
“I can reassure residents that we are doing all we can to progress the investigation and we continue to be grateful for their continued support and understanding.”
A forensic archaeologist has been drafted in to help with the search. The RSPCA and a veterinary surgeon were at the scene to ensure the wellbeing of the horses.
Officers have continued using mechanical diggers to excavate a site between Cardiff and Newport.
Mr Griffiths said he was still keen to trace a mystery person who asked another force to investigate the farm.
“I’m again making a personal plea to the author of an anonymous letter which was sent to another police force making certain allegations and providing information relevant to this inquiry to contact us,” he added.
“We believe they may have information which could greatly assist us.”
Operation Imperial has involved more than 150 police officers and staff.
Gwent police are working in conjunction with the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca), other police forces, the UK Human Trafficking Centre, the RSPCA and the Red Cross.