COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Officers were called to a warehouse in Torrington Avenue initially because someone was behaving suspiciously



A man has been arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery after eight men, a woman and baby were found living in a warehouse in Tile Hill.

Officers made the grim discovery after responding to reports of suspicious behaviour in Torrington Avenue on Sunday night.

They forced their way in to a nearby warehouse - with the help of fire crews from Canley fire station who were called to assist - and found the group inside.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery and remains in police custody this afternoon.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “Police visited a warehouse where eight men and a woman and baby were found to be living.

“Seven men and the woman and baby have been safeguarded and a 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery.

“Inquiries into the matter continue by detectives from Force CID.”

Police rule out foul play after ten people found living in Coventry warehouse



Police say that eight men, a woman and a baby found living in a warehouse in Coventry were not being held as slaves.

An investigation was launched after police responded to reports of suspicious behaviour in Torrington Avenue, Tile Hill, on August 28 and found the group inside a warehouse.

One man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of modern day slavery and bailed.

However, West Midlands Police say they have now established that the group were actually living at the warehouse legitimately and were not at risk of any harm.

The arrested man has now been released without charge.

Sergeant Michelle Kiedron, from Coventry CID, said: “We’ve carried out a thorough inquiry and it’s clear that contrary to initial concerns there was nothing untoward going on at the warehouse.

“I know local people were worried by the police activity and media coverage at the time, but we are confident all the businesses in the area are being run lawfully.

“However the action we took at the time was done with the best of intentions and it’s important we are all alert to the signs of modern day slavery which is happening in our communities.

“If anyone has suspicions about addresses near them, such as minibuses taking people away at dawn for work, then I’d ask them to call us.”