Officers from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) have arrested two men on suspicion of modern construction industry slavery offences.

The suspects, aged 49 and 38, were arrested at addresses north and east of Coventry city centre on Thursday morning, 13 September.

A 44-year-old Romanian man has been safeguarded and entered into the government's National Referral Mechanism, a framework for ensuring potential modern slavery and human trafficking victims receive the support they need.

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The GLAA said it acted following allegations from the potential victim that the suspects had been controlling his behaviour through keeping his ID, withholding his wages, and even threats of violence.

Both suspects have been taken into custody and enquiries are ongoing to identify any further victims.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Andy Davies said: "This operation saw us act following intelligence we received of potential labour exploitation in the construction sector.

"Modern slavery and labour abuse can come in a variety of forms and I would encourage the public to be aware of some of the key signs that someone is being exploited. Is their freedom being restricted? Is their behaviour slightly unusual? What are their living and working conditions like? Do they have control of their finances? All of these can be signs of labour abuse.

"In some cases, victims may be reluctant to share their story so any information you give can help us rescue and protect vulnerable workers."

(LM/CM)