NAIL bars across Cheshire were targeted as part of a police operation aimed at tackling modern day slavery.

Modern day slavery takes many forms but the most common include sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude.

Cheshire Police visited a number of business premises throughout the borough on Tuesday, October 18.

Nail bars in particular were targeted, as intelligence has suggested there is a potential risk of individuals employed at these premises being exploited.

Det Chief Insp Gwyn Dodd said: "Modern day slavery is a challenging issue for police and partners to deal with as it is very much a hidden crime – and the true extent of the problem is not known.

“Operations such as this are helping us to build up a bigger picture of what is happening in Cheshire and understand better the true extent of the issue.

"Nail bars are an area of business that have been identified as a potential risk of individuals being employed at these premises being exploited.

“The majority of these premises are well run and operate with no issues – but there are a small number where intelligence suggests there could be problems.”

The operation coincided with a regional week of action by forces across the north west – one of the biggest it has ever seen.

It follows on from a national week of action in June, which aimed to raise awareness of the issue.

In Cheshire, operational activity focused on hand car washes and identified two potential victims.

Cheshire Police said it is unable to disclose specific locations of business premises targeted in Tuesday's operation due to 'ongoing operational activity'.

David Keane, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Policing nationally is only starting to get a true understanding of the nature and scale of modern day slavery.

“People are being tricked into coming to the UK by organised crime groups with a promise of a good job and a better life.

"It’s difficult for them to ask for help because they are completely controlled by their abusers. If we all keep our eyes and ears open and tell police of our suspicions, we can help victims and their families escape from the terrible conditions they could be trapped in.”

Anyone who has any information about this type of crime or is concerned about someone being a potential victim is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.

Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.