EXCLUSIVE: Birch Services revealed as hot spot for human trafficking

It's been revealed Birch Services at Heywood is one of the region's hot spots for trafficked illegal immigrants.

Rochdale Council and Greater Manchester Police are cracking down on a trade which sees people dumped here, often on the same night, passed between traffickers or looking to seek asylum.

Children's Services in the town say they're looking after 10 times more unaccompanied asylum seekers than two years ago.

Some victims of trafficking are being supported by the charity, the Medaille Trust which is the largest supplier of 'safe houses' in the country.

Elaine Willcox was given exclusive access to 'Operation Birch' to try to disrupt this illegal trade.

The Medaille Trust was set up in 2006 to help support the thousands of people who are being trafficked into the UK each year.

It provides training, trauma support and helps trafficked victims with language skills, and relies on donations.