POLICE and immigration officers have detained nine people believed to have been trafficked into Britain after raids across Hampshire.

Investigators also arrested six people when they targeted car washes in Queensway and Bitterne Road West in Southampton, Ringwood Road in Totton and Botley Road in Horton Heath yesterday.

Nine people were identified as potential victims of exploitation and trafficking at the car wash in Bitterne Road West. They have been taken to an immigration reception centre.

A 27-year-old man from Eastleigh was arrested by police on suspicion of human trafficking and remained in police custody last night.

Five people were arrested at the Horton Heath car wash by Home Office immigration enforcement officers for immigration offences. They also remain-ed in custody last night.

There were no arrests or potential trafficking victims identified at either of the other two sites.

The operation which was part of a crackdown on organised crime which saw Hampshire police join officers from the National Crime Agency, Home Office immigration enforcement, the Environment Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and local authorities.

Anyone with concerns, suspicions or information about suspected illegal activity at car washes in Hampshire should call 101.