Allegations of modern slavery have been raised at a Crawley car wash.

Police officers joined immigration officials and fire officers at the site in London Road after allegations of fraud, modern slavery and health and safety offences.

One illegal worker was discovered, and the premises was served with notices banning sleeping accommodation at the site.

A number of staff were interviewed about working conditions and the one person found to be in the country illegally was referred to Home Office Immigration Enforcement investigators.

A 37-year-old man was reported by Immigration Enforcement officers for a possible fine for allowing an illegal worker to be employed. The Department for Work and Pensions is continuing to look into reports of possible benefit fraud offences and arrested a 37-year old man on suspicion of fraud.

Chief Inspector Shane Baker, Crawley District Commander for Sussex Police, said; “We continue to work with partners to develop intelligence about any signs that vulnerable workers are being exploited over their conditions of employment and accommodation in Sussex.”

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