THREE men arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences, following a raid at a site in Semington this morning have been released on bail.

Police believe eight Romanian men rescued from ‘unsanitary conditions’ on the travellers' site in Semington have been working for three driveway companies.

A warrant was carried out by more than 50 police officers at around 5.30am today, following concerns regarding the welfare of the eight men, who are believed to be victims of modern slavery.

The men have now been taken to a place of safety and will be provided with medical care and support, while police are working closely with Wiltshire Council and other agencies to help ensure that they can properly meet their needs.

Three men, aged 28, 33 and 37, from Semington, have been arrested on suspicion of offences relating to human trafficking. The men have been taken into custody at Melksham Police Station.

Police, who have been carrying out investigations for the past two weeks, are asking anyone who may have had driveway work done by Signature Driveways, Drivescape Ltd or Newstone Barrett Driveways to get in contact.

Superintendent Sean Memory said: “We carried out a raid on a traveller’s site and arrested three men on suspicion of offences relating to human trafficking this morning. We also rescued eight Romanian men, who were very frightened and worried.

“There were 18 caravans on the site in total, but not all of them are relevant to our investigation. We believe the men were working for three companies, which we are particularly keen to appeal for information on - Newstone Barrett Driveways, Drivescape Ltd and Signature Driveways.

“We would be very keen for anyone who has had work done by those companies to come forward and speak to us. The investigation is at an early stage and I can’t rule out that there will be others involved as well, but today we have rescued eight Romanians.”

Supt Memory added: "I would like to reassure the community that we simply wish to speak to anyone who has had work carried out by these companies as they may have information to assist our investigation, I can confirm that customers are not at any risk of prosecution."

Police are also working with British Red Cross, NHS England, Medvivo, The Salvation Army and UKHTC (UK Human Trafficking Centre) as part of the multi-agency operation, with the aim to ensure the welfare of the men and tackle any illegal activity.

Major Anne Read, The Salvation Army's Anti-Trafficking Response Co-ordinator, said: "The Salvation Army is working with Wiltshire Police to rescue and support potential victims of modern slavery.

"It is vital that victims receive immediate access to specialised support. Our team has been working to assess the needs of the victims and ensure that they have access to accommodation and support at safe houses if needed.

"The Salvation Army operates a Government contract to provide vital help and support to adult victims of this pitiless exploitation which gives them the very best chance to try and recover through the comprehensive specialised services we can offer working with our partners.”

Officers are unsure exactly how long the eight men have been in the country and are receiving assistance from a number of interpreters to find out how the men arrived in the UK.

Maggie Rae, corporate director at Wiltshire Council, said: “The men were very frightened and very worried about what was going to happen to them – terrified would probably be the word.

“They were up and dressed but rather unkempt and they clearly didn’t have proper access to food drink showers and toilets, so the conditions were generally very unsanitary.

“It will probably take them a couple of days to get over the trauma of their situation and actually we will be giving them full health and welfare checks and just make sure they have clean clothes, warm showers and that a doctor has had a chance to look them over to check they are in good shape.

“We just want to generally look after them and make sure that they feel safe and comfortable. We are trained to deal with this information and look out for signs of modern slavery, which is what we believe this to be.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, where details may be left anonymously if preferred.