TWO people are in police custody today following concerns that an address in Chippenham was being used as a brothel.

Officers from the local community policing team were joined by officers from the modern slavery intelligence team yesterday when they attended the address in Hawthorn Road.

They were also joined by the landlord of the property after concerns had been raised that the property was being used as a brothel.

Two women aged 54 and 55 were located inside the address and were arrested on suspicion of entering the UK illegally.

They were taken to Melksham custody and the investigation has been taken over by immigration officials.

PC Haydon Papworth said: “I would urge members of the public to be aware to the signs of modern slavery and exploitation and to report any concerns they may have about individuals, or the use of an address in their neighbourhood, to police on 101. If someone is in immediate danger call 999.”

You can also report anonymously via The National Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The UK-wide Modern Slavery Helpline, which is operated by Unseen UK, released the 'Unseen UK Modern Slavery App' in July 2018 to make reporting to the helpline even easier.

The app provides a simple guide to recognising the signs of modern slavery and reporting concerns in confidence to free more victims of slavery. The app can be downloaded by searching 'Unseen UK' in app stores now.

Signs that someone is being exploited can include:

• Their appearance may offer clues; they might have physical signs of abuse such as bruising or cuts

• They might also be unkempt, have poor personal hygiene and appear to wear the same (often dirty or damaged clothes) every day

• They may have unsuitable or no protective equipment for the job they are doing or may appear to lack skills or training in the job they are doing

• They be chaperoned or accompanied everywhere they go or appear to have someone speaking on their behalf

• They may be disorientated and not know where they are. They may also get picked up from and dropped off at a location several times a day

• They may appear malnourished or dehydrated

• They may appear withdrawn

• They may have no access to money or may have someone controlling their money for them

• Their passport may be being held by someone else

• They may appear fearful, anxious or withdrawn and may avoid eye contact

• They may appear exhausted.