Eight people arrested in Luton over human trafficking offences

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences after what police said was a major investigation into the sexual exploitation of women.

The five men and three women, whose ages ranged between 20s and 40s, were arrested at four addresses in Luton.

A ninth man was arrested at one of the addresses on Wednesday on suspicion of failing to appear at court.

Det Insp Louise Gent described trafficking as a "heinous" crime.

"Unlike drugs or firearms, which are only bought or sold once, a victim being exploited in this way represents a continuous source of income for criminals," said Det Insp Gent, from Bedfordshire Police.

The force said it arrested four men in a similar operation last year who were among 18 people now facing trial in Romania for human trafficking offences.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830