An Irish woman and two others have been rescued from a house in London after being held captive for up to 30 years.
It’s thought they were used as domestic slaves.
The Irish woman, who has not been named, is 57 years old. She was kept along with a 69-year-old woman from Malaysia and a 30-year-old British woman. All three are said by police to be traumatised by their experiences and have been taken to a place of safety.
The rescue operation was carried out early this morning by officers from London’s Metropolitan Police. A man and woman, both aged 67, were arrested at the house and taken away for questioning.
Officers from London’s police headquarters at Scotland Yard are now investigating the slavery allegations.
The police began their investigation that led to the rescue after receiving a call from a charity on behalf of one of the captives. The woman contacted the charity after seeing a TV documentary about forced marriages.
Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland, from the Metropolitan Police human trafficking unit, said. “A television documentary on forced marriages relating to the work of Freedom Charity was the catalyst that prompted one of the victims to call for help and led to their rescue.
“We applaud the actions of Freedom Charity and are working in partnership to support these victims who appear to have been held for over 30 years.”
The three victims are now being attended by medical staff and specialist counsellors.
