POLICE have arrested 13 people in an operation on Anti-Slavery Day aimed at tackling human trafficking and labour exploitation.

Search warrants were carried out at five addresses in the Cowgate area of Newcastle. Three more were raided in Houghton-le-Spring and in Consett, County Durham.

Officers arrested eight men and five women on suspicion of trafficking people into the UK for exploitation.

Two men and two women believed to be victims of exploitation were found during the searches. They have been taken to a safe place and will be supported by other agencies.

Police worked on the operation with Newcastle City Council, the National Crime Agency, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, British Red Cross and Hope for Justice.

Detective Superintendent Steve Barron, of Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department, said that modern slavery was an increasing problem across Europe.

"This type of crime forces people through threats or coercion to work for little or no pay, or to pay off outstanding debts," he said.

Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said: "Some might find it hard to believe that in the twenty first century we still have slavery, and it is all the more shocking to think that it is happening right here in Newcastle."

The council has set up a reception centre to help victims.

Police released photos of Polish driving licences and a bank card they seized during the operation.