A man who was allegedly kept as a slave for 40 years has slept in a warm bed for the first time in decades, according to investigators.

The alleged victim, 58, had apparently been living in a shed in Carlisle, Cumbria, which was raided by police on Wednesday.

A 79-year-old man living in a house next door was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and then released under investigation.

He denied any wrongdoing, according to his relatives.


The man was found living in a squalid shed (Picture: SWNS)

Officials from the UK’s Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), who helped on the operation, released pictures of the shed.

It was just 6ft square and had its window boarded up, leaving the interior dark.



It contained a white metal garden chair, a duvet, a rusty electric heater and an old TV.

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Authorities think he may have been kept as a slave (Picture: SWNS)

Martin Plimmer, the GLAA’s senior investigator, said: ‘It was just a dark shed.

‘Potentially, we have recovered somebody who has been a slave for 40 years.

‘The man has been taken to a safe location and he’s being helped by trauma specialists.

‘He is going to be further medically examined, but it will be a long process.

‘For the first time in four decades, he was able to sleep in a warm room. It has been deeply affecting for everybody on the team.’

The elderly suspect will be questioned again in the next few days.

Investigators are likely to focus on whether the man found in the shed was living there of his own free will, or whether he was being coerced.

Cumbria Police Detective Chief Inspector Helen Harkins, whose officers supported the raid at Hadrian’s Camp, said: ‘We would like to stress that anyone of any race or background could be a victim of modern day slavery.

‘Offenders tend to target people who are vulnerable and isolated.

‘Hidden signs make it difficult to identify a victim, but common indications include; poor physical appearance, isolation, poor living conditions, few or no personal effects, restricted freedom of movement, unusual travel times and a reluctance to seek help.’

If you suspect human trafficking or modern-day slavery you can report it by contacting police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, call the National Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

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