Warning over forced marriage in school holiday period

Teachers, doctors and airport staff have been warned to stay alert to forced marriages over the school holiday period.

Summer marks a peak in reports of forced marriage cases, when youngsters can be taken on "holiday", unaware of the real purpose of the trip, the Home Office said.

Between June and August last year, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), a joint operation by the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, received more than 400 reports.

The unit is handing out "Marriage: it's your choice" cards to provide help and information to potential victims, pointing them to confidential advice.