Police in Hampshire have announced that eight men have been rescued in a raid on a farm near Southampton. 

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary, supported by the National Crime Agency, executed a warrant around 6am Tuesday at Little Testwood Farm on Salisbury Road, Calmore, where it is believed the men were being held as slaves. The men are aged between 21 and 46 and are a mix of Romanian, Latvian and Polish nationalities.

They were taken to a survivor reception centre where they will receive emotional and practical support, police said.
Police also recovered industrial equipment which they believe had been stolen.

A 27-year-old man from Luton was arrested on suspicion of knowingly holding another person in slavery or servitude and remains in custody.

Detective Inspector Phil Scrase from Southampton CID said, "As this morning's action shows, we’ll take swift action against anyone suspected of exploiting vulnerable members of society for their own gain.

"We know that people are being trafficked, exploited and enslaved across the country including here in Hampshire. I'd urge anyone with concerns, suspicions or information that could help our enquiries to contact us in confidence.

"For example, if you're being offered cheap labour that's too good to be true for the amount it costs, ask yourself: who’s really paying?"