Five people have been arrested as part of a modern day slavery investigation.

Police visited a business in London Road, Gravesend, at around 9am yesterday (Tuesday) after concerns had been raised that staff were being exploited.

A 36-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of forcing people to work in slavery, servitude, or compulsory labour.

He has been released on bail until Tuesday, May 25 so further inquiries can be made..

Officers also searched an address in London Road and another property in Fountain Walk the same morning.

As a result, more than 20kgs of cannabis was seized from the property in London Road, alongside cash and a machete.

Two men, aged 43 and 45, and a 41-year-old woman, were detained on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. The two men have been released pending further inquiries and the woman has been released on bail until Tuesday, May 18. They are all from Gravesend.

A 22-year-old woman from Northfleet was also arrested following a warrant at the Fountain Road address. While in custody, she admitted possessing cannabis and was issued with a caution.

The arrests came as part of a modern day slavery investigation being carried out by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

In a statement, police said that although slavery is often a hidden crime, there are warning signs which could indicate a person is a victim.

If anyone has suspicions that a worker could be being exploited, they are encouraged to contact police at the earliest opportunity.

Signs to look out for include: staff appearing to be scruffy, malnourished or injured; staff appearing to be anxious, afraid or unable to make eye contact; staff working long hours, wearing unsuitable clothing or have the wrong equipment for the job; a person living in an overcrowded or poorly maintained property.

To report modern day slavery, contact police on 101 or make a report via the force’s website. Always dial 999 if a crime is in action or there is an immediate threat to life.

You can also contact the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report it online here.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend