UK police rescue 17 people believed to be victims of human trafficking; most from Slovakia

LONDON – British police say they have rescued 17 men, women and children in northern England as part of an investigation into human trafficking.

West Yorkshire police said Friday a three-day, multi-agency operation involved visiting 25 addresses across Leeds, in northern England, to help families identified as potential trafficking victims.

The force said 17 people — mainly from Slovakia — were rescued. Many were living in poor conditions with “little if any” income. It said others were being forced to work long hours for little or no pay.

Thirty-three other people approached during the operation “preferred not to co-operate and remained where they were,” police added.

Police said eight people have been arrested and bailed as part of the investigation launched in September.