SEVEN people have sought help over modern day slavery in North Yorkshire, according to new figures.

Figures released by the National Crime Agency showed there were 3,805 potential victims reported across the UK in 2016, with potential victims of trafficking from 108 different nationalities. Victims around the country most commonly came from Albania, Vietnam and other areas of the UK.

North Yorkshire Police were contacted directly by seven people - five adults and two children - while one child was also referred to a local council and another to the Home Office.

The NCA report showed the two children reported in North Yorkshire were both from Vietnam and were being used for “unknown exploitation”, while an adult woman from Albania was being exploited for labour.

Four men - one from the UK, one each from Albania, Poland and Romania - were all reported as being exploited to work.

A spokesman for the NCA said the most common reason recorded for victims was labour exploitation, which included criminal exploitation, and those targeted as children were also most likely to have been exploited as workers and for criminal purposes including cannabis cultivation.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said modern slavery was sadly not uncommon in many areas of the country.

He said: “Modern slavery affects all parts of the UK. It’s present in our towns and cities and also our rural communities and we should not assume that North Yorkshire is untouched by this offence.

“The nature of modern slavery means that victims are hidden and controlled, so it can be hard to recognise, particularly for victims of sexual exploitation. I would encourage members of of the public to be aware and on the look out for the of the signs of modern slavery. If you suspect that modern slavery is happening near you, contact North Yorkshire Police.”

To report anything suspicious, phone 101 or if there is an immediate threat, phone 999.

Reports can also be submitted on the Modern Slavery helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0800 0121700, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.