Five rescued and two arrested in Belfast trafficking operation

Five potential victims of human trafficking have been rescued by detectives from PSNI's Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit following operations across Belfast.

Two women, aged 36 and 24, have also been arrested on Wednesday, 20 May on suspicion of a number of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, and brothel keeping.

Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said, "The arrests are part of an extensive investigation into an organised criminal gang with eastern European links.

"The searches were carried out at properties in east, south and west Belfast this morning. We were assisted by colleagues from the National Crime Agency and the Home Office."

The 36-year-old woman was arrested in Glenbrook Avenue area of the city, where one potential victim was also rescued.

The 24-year-old woman was arrested at an address in the Donegal Avenue area where another potential victim was rescued.

Three more potential victims were rescued from an address in the Violet Street area.