AROUND 40 people collecting shellfish have been detained as part of a major investigation into exploitation.

Anti-slavery officers, Hampshire Police, immigration officials and the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority all arrived at Hill Head near Fareham this morning.

As part of an investigation to target modern slavery, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) are speaking to potential victims on the sea front in Hill Head today following multiple reports of shellfish gathering.

The investigation is being led by the GLAA and supported by Hampshire Constabulary, Fareham Borough Council, and Immigration.

Police received information regarding large-scale cockle picking along the shoreline, and an investigation has been launched into the suspected exploitation of the workers who have been collecting the shellfish investigation will focus on the suspected exploitation of the workers collecting the shellfish.

Officers found a large group of people collecting shellfish on the shore when they arrived at the address this morning.

Fareham Borough Council leader Councillor Sean Woodward said in a statement on Facebook: "A multi-agency operation is ongoing this morning and has rounded up about 60 Chinese harvesters. Police said around 40 have been spoken with so far, with others not detained.

"We have present police, immigration, Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, port health and Fareham Borough Council – currently processing everyone to establish if any offences have been committed.

"We take this matter extremely seriously."

Around 40 people are now being spoken to as potential victims of labour exploitation at two separate locations on the shoreline.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Special Constabulary, Marine Unit, the Drone Unit and the Roads Policing Unit were involved in today’s operation, alongside partners.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We would like to thank Hill Head Sailing Club for their co-operation as we make enquiries in the area.

"Thousands of people from across the world are being exploited in conditions of slavery here in the UK.

"If you suspect someone to be a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, contact the 24/7 Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700, or 999 for emergencies."