Three people were arrested and several businesses targeted following a major multi-agency crackdown on modern slavery, illegal working, and labour exploitation in an East Sussex town, police said.

Sussex Police said officers joined forces with multiple government and enforcement agencies for a coordinated day of action.

Police said the operation involved a large turnout of officials.

Sussex Police said it deployed its Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), the East Sussex Discovery Team, and local Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT).

Sussex Police said it joined partner agencies for a day of action in Rye, as part of ongoing work to tackle modern slavery, labour exploitation and illegal working

placeholder image — Sussex Police said it joined partner agencies for a day of action in Rye, as part of ongoing work to tackle modern slavery, labour exploitation and illegal working

They worked alongside Immigration Enforcement, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Environmental Health, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The day of action took place in Rye on Tuesday, August 4, police said.

A police spokesperson said: “The East Sussex Discovery Team carries out proactive operations with partner agencies to identify and safeguard vulnerable people who may be at risk of exploitation, identify potential victims of modern slavery, and disrupt those who seek to profit from criminal activity.

“As part of the operation, officers visited a number of businesses in the town, including a barber's, fish and chip shop, hotel, newsagents and a kebab shop. The visits focused on identifying potential exploitation, safeguarding vulnerable people and ensuring businesses were complying with immigration and employment legislation.

“A 26-year-old man from Folkestone was arrested on suspicion of employing an illegal worker. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

“Two Turkish nationals were arrested by Immigration Enforcement for breaching their immigration bail conditions. Civil Penalty Referral Notices were also served on two businesses.”

Detective Sergeant Jamie Ashford, from the East Sussex Discovery Team, said: “Modern slavery and labour exploitation can often remain hidden, making partnership working vital in identifying and protecting vulnerable people.

“These proactive visits allow us to work alongside our partners to safeguard those who may be at risk of exploitation, while also taking action where offences relating to illegal working or other criminality are identified.

“We know this type of offending can have a devastating impact on victims, and we remain committed to working with our partners to disrupt those responsible and ensure vulnerable people receive the support they need.”