Police spoke to 20 people after reports of human trafficking in Stisted.

Essex Police executed a warrant in Coggeshall Road on October 13 after information suggesting forced labour may be taking place was received by the UK’s Modern Slavery Helpline.

They checked the location and 20 individuals were spoken with and identification was checked.

There were not any victims of human trafficking or forced labour identified as a result of the visit.

Should officers had found victims of forced labour, they would have been able to arrest those identified as perpetrators under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

All individuals were spoken to by dedicated anti-slavery partnership co-ordinator, Cristina Gavrilovic.

She said: “At Essex Police, we execute warrants like this one on a regular basis to remind people that we will not tolerate any form of forced labour or human trafficking.

"Our role as police force is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members of the public. 

“We’re pleased to see that there weren’t any victims of modern slavery.

“We will be continuing this work, acting on information given to ensure all legal requirements are met and all workers are safe.”

Officers from Braintree Community Policing team worked in partnership with Braintree Council, British Red Cross, RSPCA, Immigration and HMRC.

For more information on how to spot the signs and how to report human trafficking and modern slavery, call the National Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700 or visit www.essex.police.uk/beavoice.