TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery in the Brecknockshire area, police have revealed.

Officers launched an investigation after concerns were raised about working conditions and an assault on a person living and working on the a farm in the area.

Two men were arrested, one on suspicion of modern slavery and the other on suspicion of modern slavery and assault.

The victim has been safeguarded and is being supported by a number of agencies including Dyfed Powys-Police and the local authority.

A police spokesperson told the Brecon and Radnor Express: “The investigation is currently ongoing and both men have been released under investigation.

“Dyfed-Powys Police take any concern or indication of modern slavery or similar offences seriously and work alongside partner agencies to keep victims safe.”

Anyone with modern slavery or similar concerns should contact police online, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.

The Modern Slavery Helpline can also be contacted on 08000121700.

News of the arrests came as Dyfed-Powys Police revealed it was working in partnership with rural and farming unions to support a national campaign which aims to create a picture of the nature and scale of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Evans said: “Dyfed-Powys Police, and our rural teams in particular, will be supporting this national campaign, which runs until July 24.

“We will engage with the agricultural industry and raise awareness of the ethical use of labour and avoidance of labour exploitation, as well as asking for any concerns to be raised with us or the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.

“We will also work with branches of the National Farmers’ Union and Farmers’ Union of Wales to circulate information about modern slavery and how to spot the signs to their members.

“Forced and compulsory labour is very often a harmful and hidden crime and its victims may be especially isolated and hidden from view during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, help and support is available.”

Many victims work in the construction industry, in agriculture, in the sex industry and in place like nail bars or car washes.

A lot of the victims have been trafficked from overseas including Eastern Europe, South East Asia and Africa - although British nationals make up he largest single group of those victimised.

DCI Evans said: “It is almost certain that restrictions on movement and activities are having a notable impact on the modern slavery and human trafficking threat in the UK.

“There have been anecdotal reports of displacement from  public-facing sectors that have been closed as a result of government measures, such as car washes and nail bars, to high-risk sectors of agriculture and the wider food supply chain.

“Over the next three weeks, we hope to gain a better understanding of the threat, and ultimately to protect vulnerable victims of slavery and human trafficking, who are often hidden in plain sight.”

Signs of a potential modern slavery victim include showing fear or anxiety, looking malnourished, unkempt or have untreated injuries.