SIX people arrested as part of an investigation into alleged sex slavery in Southampton have been released.

Police arrested the group, of three men and three women, following a series of dawn raids in properties in the centre of the city.

Three residential addresses in Portsmouth Road, Garton Road, Oceana Boulevard were visited as part of the operation, in November 2018.

The raids were carried out as part of an intelligence-led probe into an alleged modern day slavery operation in Southampton, linked to the sex trade.

Two women, aged 35 and 40-years-old, were treated as victims.

At the time, police said the pair were being support specially trained officers.

Now police have revealed that no further action will be taken against the six people arrested.

Officers say there is “insufficient evidence” to charge anyone.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Following a thorough investigation, there will be no further action taken against the six individuals arrested.

“Having carried out extensive enquiries, there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone with any offences.

“Identifying vulnerable people who are being made to work against their will and who are being subjected to modern day slavery offences remains a priority.

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

“We encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity or is concerned that someone is being exploited to contact us on 101.

“For more information, including how to spot the signs of slavery, go to the Modern Slavery Helpline at https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/ or call 08000 121 700.”