A POLICE chief is urging Halton residents to be vigilant of modern slavery.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said: “Slavery can take many forms including, sexual exploitation, forced labour and child trafficking and could be active in our communities.

“ It’s a growing issue in the UK and I think it’s vitally important that we all recognise the signs so we can help put a stop to modern slavery."

Saturday, October 18 marks Anti-Slavery Day. In 2013 there were 1,746 reported cases of modern slavery in the UK, a rise of almost 50 per cent on the previous year.

Mr Dwyer added: "It’s hard to believe that slavery still exists in the modern world, but there are some despicable people out there who want to exploit others for their own gain.

“I would urge everyone to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.”

Signs which may suggest a person is subject to modern slavery include a poor personal appearance, lack of personal belongings and travelling at strange times of the day or night.

More information on modern slavery is available on modernslavery.co.uk