A KENT detective who helped smash a human trafficking and prostitution ring has received national recognition at the home of Manchester United.

Detective Constable Simon Harrold played a key role in bringing down a Northfleet sex trafficker who used African witchcraft rituals to silence young girls smuggled into Britain to be sold on as prostitutes.

In August 2011 the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate officer launched an investigation into Osezua Osolase, of Beaumont Road, after he was stopped at Stansted airport.

Operation Ullswater uncovered a disturbing culture where girls, some as young as 14, were subjected to terrifying JuJu rituals in a bid to secure their silence and obedience.

But in October last year Osolase was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of five counts of trafficking for sexual exploitation, and one each of rape and sexual activity with a child.

DC Harrold was shortlisted for the Detective Investigation of the Year Award at the Police Federation National Detective Forum ceremony.

He was joined by senior colleagues Detective Chief Inspector Eddie Fox and Detective Chief Inspector John McDermott at the bash in Manchester on October 3 where it was announced he finished in third place.

Speaking following the awards ceremony at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, DC Harrold said: “To have been nominated for this award was flattering but to have made the shortlist for the final of the National Detective Investigation of the Year Award fills me with pride.

“I feel proud and privileged to have been considered for such an award and this nomination shows the importance of the work we do within the Serious and Organised Crime Unit and how professionally we work.”