A WOMAN has been arrested at a town centre nail salon as part of a police crackdown on modern slavery and human trafficking.

Cheshire Police visited a premises on Sankey Street today, Thursday, and arrested an 18-year-old woman from Liverpool on suspicion of immigration offences.

The force visited a number of business across Warrington and other parts of Cheshire throughout the day as part of a crackdown on modern slavery and human traffic, targeting nail salons in particular.

Officers carried out welfare checks on staff at each premises in partnership with the National Crime Agency, Warrington Borough Council, NHS services and the British Red Cross.

Superintendent Paul Beauchamp, who led the operation, said: “Unfortunately we know human trafficking and modern slavery is happening in our county and, along with our partners, we are working hard to identify and protect those who may be at harm.

“Although officers regularly carry out operations into these types of offences, today provides an opportunity to raise awareness of such a hidden crime and highlight the signs and symptoms local communities should look out for.

“As a force and within our local communities, there is still so much more we can do – I want to encourage the public to help us to help victims and to look out for the signs and report them to us.”

Victims of human trafficking or modern slavery by appear unkempt, malnourished or withdrawn and may show signs of physical or psychological abuse.

Police have advised that they may be isolated from the community where they work and live in poor conditions or have few personal possessions.

They may also be dropped off or collected from work at unusual times and be reluctant to seek help.

John Morris, director of independent living and emergency response in the north for the British Red Cross, said: “The Red Cross has been asked by Cheshire Police to provide practical and emotional support to anyone evacuated as a result of this operation in a place of safety.

“Our trained staff were on standby to provide emotional support as well as practical necessities such as clothing, refreshments and first aid.”