FOUR men have been arrested in Oxford this morning as part of a police investigation into modern slavery and forced labour.
Old Abingdon Road was closed in both directions at around 7am due to the police operation and investigations in the area are ongoing.
The road has since reopened but there is still a major police presence, and a diversion is still in place for traffic travelling from Kennington Road.
Old Abingdon Road is now open though police remain at the site pic.twitter.com/1N4sCeZRTC
— Erin Lyons (@OxMailErinL) June 6, 2018
Looks as though traffic is still being diverted from turning left onto Old Abingdon. Road from Kennington Road pic.twitter.com/fzhRycXx6p
— Erin Lyons (@OxMailErinL) June 6, 2018
The men, aged 59, 43, 34 and 25, all from Oxford, were arrested at two separate locations on suspicion of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation and unlawfully engaging in money lending.
Police confirmed the second location was in Littlemore, but said they could not give a specific road name.
Thames Valley Police said it was working in partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Southeast Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
Police added officers were 'supporting and engaging with potential victims'.
Currently, an area near Abingdon Road is closed while officers from Thames Valley Police, NCA and SEROCU carry out further investigations.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Ali Driver said: “We carried out these warrants as part of ongoing investigations into offences of modern slavery.
“These arrests are evidence that we take this extremely seriously and will always investigate and prosecute offenders who carry out this crime.
“I would urge anyone who is aware of any kind of modern slavery or forced labour within the Thames Valley to report it to us via 101, or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
The closure of the Oxford road, which joins Abingdon Road to the Southern Bypass, had a knock-on effect for nearby traffic on the Oxford Ring Road this morning.
There were also delays on the A34 northbound heading towards Oxford.
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