Lancashire Police officers have raided 15 premises across the county in a crackdown on sex slavery in the county.

During a week of action, detectives forced their way into six properties in Preston, two in Blackpool, four in Blackburn and three in Burnley.

The week of action was organised to clamp down on those who sexually exploit others for financial gain, and in particular those who use the internet to ‘trade’ in human beings. The internet is often used to advertise the services of those who have been trafficked and are being exploited.

Lancashire Poice officers are now asking members of the public across the county to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.

Sergeant Stuart Peall, of Lancashire Police, said: “We were more than happy to support the National Crime Agency’s week of action and we are pleased at how successful it has been.

“We hope that as well as disrupting modern slavery we have also raised awareness of it, and members of the public will now know the signs to look out for and where they can report their concerns.”

The week of action against modern slavery took place between Monday June 26 and Friday June 30.

It was led by the National Crime Agency, with activity taking place in several force areas across the UK. There was also activity across Europe.

Sixteen people were given safeguarding advice and a further four women, all Romanian nationals, were removed from sexual exploitation.

Two of these were aged 18 and were removed from an address on Holly Street in Blackburn, while two were aged 20 and were removed from an address on Hufling Lane in Burnley.

All four women are being safeguarded pending return to their families in Romania.

Eight people, aged between 19 and 30 and from Hungary, were arrested for immigration offences on Talbot Street in Burnley. They will now be dealt with by Immigration.

A further arrest was made in Romania. The 27-year-old man was tracked down on our behalf by police officers in the country after Lancashire detectives circulated him as wanted in connection with trafficking and sexual exploitation offences believed to have taken place across Lancashire.

He was arrested on Friday morning and will be extradited to the UK into the custody of Lancashire Police.

A final arrest was made in Evesham, Worcestershire, in connection with modern slavery offences believed to have taken place in Blackburn. Alexandru Pitigoi, 24, of Waterside, Evesham, has been charged with conspiring to traffic for sexual exploitation and conspiring to incite prostitution. He will appear at Preston Crown Court on July 31.

Sergeant Stuart Peall, of Lancashire Police, said: “As a rule of thumb, if you think someone is in immediate danger you should call 999, or if you suspect slavery is happening but there is no immediate threat to life we can be reached on 101.”

To pass on information anonymously you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or complete an anonymous form online www.crimestoppers-uk.org. When you contact them your identity will be protected.

Lancashire Victims Services are also here to offer help and support, even if you haven’t reported a crime to the police. Contact them on 0300 323 0085.

For more information take a look at the website: www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/safer-communities/modern-slavery.aspx