ARRESTS have been made after police and Immigration searched a car wash in Andover to safeguard potential victims of modern slavery. 

On Monday, July 15, Hampshire Constabulary officers, Immigration Enforcement officers and the Health and Safety Executive, visited Magic Car Wash, in Hanson Road. 

The operation formed part of a multi-agency approach, identifying offences and safeguarding potential victims of modern slavery.

Two people were arrested as part of the search - a 27-year-old man from Tidworth in Wiltshire, and a 30-year-old man from London – on suspicion of knowingly employing an adult disqualified from employment by reason of immigration status.

Both men have been released under investigation while police carry out further enquiries.

A police spokesperson said: "You may have seen some activity yesterday morning at the Magic Hand Car Wash site in Hanson Road in Andover.

"We carried out a joint operation there, accompanied by Immigration Enforcement officers and the Health and Safety Executive.

"This operation formed part of our multi-agency approach to identifying offences and safeguarding potential victims of modern slavery.

"We arrested two people – a 27-year-old man from Tidworth in Wiltshire, and a 30-year-old man from London – on suspicion of knowingly employing an adult disqualified from employment by reason of immigration status.

"Both men have been released under investigation while we carry out further enquiries.

"Police and partner agencies will continue to attend businesses across the Test Valley district to ensure that this type of exploitation does not take place."