POLICE in Redditch have carried out a number of raids at newly opened Turkish barbers in the town.

The raids, which took place last week, were part of an operation into human traffic.

Inspector David King, leading the operation for North Worcestershire, said they were carried out as part of the force's commitment to eradicate human traffic and modern slavery in the community.

"On this occasion it was a number of Turkish style barbers that have recently opened up," he said.

“Our officers worked with the Department of Work and Pensions, Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, HM Immigration and the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority, and carried on a number of visits today, one part of a week of action being held by police forces around the country.

"I'm pleased to say days like today help us ensure that we haven’t got cases of modern day slavery."

He added: "People can be brought in from out of area to work in various different shops or different trades so obviously we want to make sure that we protect those that are most vulnerable and ensure that they are safe and signposted in a correct way, that if they wish to work in this country, so we can signpost them so they are doing it legally too."