Five held in slavery probe linked to massage parlour

Five people have been arrested as part of an investigation into slavery and human trafficking in Leicester.

Leicestershire Police said a man and a woman – both 37 – had been arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain and drugs offences after a warrant was executed at an address in Hinckley Road on Wednesday.

The man, who has been released on bail, was also arrested on suspicion of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

The BBC understands the arrests are linked to Angels Massage in Hinckley Road, with three other people detained last week.

The premises was recently served with a Prohibition Notice by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service due to "significant fire safety failings".

Officers said two men, 37 and 29, were arrested last week at an address in Aylestone on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude.

A 16-year-old suspect was also detained on suspicion of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

All three have been released under investigation as inquiries continue, the force said, along with the woman arrested in Hinckley Road.

Simon Lee, fire protection officer for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said the notice prohibiting the use of the building had followed a joint operation with Leicestershire Police.

He said the safety failings included "inadequate means of raising the alarm in the event of fire, inadequate compartmentalisation of the building (which was divided into commercial use and sleeping accommodation) and inadequate means of escape".

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