SIX people have been arrested in dawn raids in Southampton as part of an investigation into a modern-day slavery operation linked to the sex trade.

Officers swooped on three homes in Portsmouth Road, Garton Road, Oceana Boulevard at 5am today, detaining four women and two men on suspicion of slavery offences linked to the sex trade.

A 52-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude

A 64-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of managing a brothel used for prostitution.

Daily Echo:

(Garton Road, Southampton. Google Street View)

A 49-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude

A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of managing a brothel used for prostitution.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of managing a brothel used for prostitution.

A 58-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of managing a brothel used for prostitution.

They remain in police custody at this time.

Police said two women, aged 35 and 40, are being treated as victims and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Detective Sergeant Emma Barrow, from the Western Investigation Team, said: “This was a proactive intelligence-led operation, the investigation which now follows will be complex and involves UK Visas and Immigration.

“We have identified two vulnerable women who are working with our specially trained Amberstone team to ensure they have access to the support they need.

Daily Echo:

(Portsmouth Road, Southampton. Google Street View.)

“Information from the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is key in identifying criminal activity connected to organised crime and modern day slavery.

"I would continue to encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity or a vulnerable person who seems to be working against their will to contact us.”

Anyone with information which could assist this current investigation is asked to contact us on 101 and quote Operation Bayonet or 44180438539.