A week of action targeting modern slavery has taken place in East Surrey.

Police carried out checks identifying sex workers who are potential victims of trafficking and licensing checks at car washes, takeaways and farms, among other places.

They were focused in the four boroughs of Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge.

A Romanian woman was also referred to Streetlight UK, which offers specialist support to women involved in sexual exploitation, and a Chinese woman feared to be the victim of trafficking has been housed in an immigration centre for her own welfare.

Two men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and fraud offences, and two stolen vehicles were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

Temporary Inspector Joe Easterbrook said: “Protecting the vulnerable and exploited victims of this horrific crime and pursuing those who commit it is something we take extremely seriously.

“I urge anyone who has any concerns about activity relating to individuals being forced to work against their will for low or no wages, or being controlled or mistreated, to report it to us.”