A Lewisham man and woman have been arrested over the trafficking of modern day slaves for use as prostitutes in Swansea, Cardiff and London brothels.

This morning (April 10), officers from the Home Office Criminal Investigation team arrested a 40-year-old British man and a 23-year-old Nigerian woman in Lewisham on suspicion of trafficking, money laundering and facilitation of illegal immigration.

The pair are currently being questioned at Cardiff Bay police station.

Officers are investigating claims that women trafficked from Nigeria were made to work at brothels in various locations. As a result a number of women are now in protective care.

Chris Foster from the Home Office’s Criminal Investigation Team said: "We have made two arrests as part of an ongoing enquiry into allegations involving modern slavery and trafficking.

"That investigation will continue with the evidence we have taken from the address we visited today.

"Trafficking is an abhorrent crime and we urge any potential victims to come forward so we can offer them the best possible protection and support."

Anyone who has information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.