HUNDREDS of potential slavery victims were referred to police in Hampshire last year, new figures have revealed.

Home office data has shown that 218 modern slavery cases were referred to Hampshire Constabulary in 2020, 23 more than in 2019.

Modern slavery can involve domestic servitude, forced labour, sexual or criminal exploitation and of the 218 cases reported in 2020, 149 were said to involve children.

Now, anti-slavery charity, Unseen, has warned of a potential increase following the pandemic, adding that the economic downturn has created more vulnerable people.

Nationally, referrals linked to “county lines” activity, which sees gangs using vulnerable people to transport drugs from cities to small towns, rose by almost a third.

But Detective Chief Inspector Ross Toms said reducing drug-related harm is a “priority” for Hampshire Constabulary who are part of the Hampshire and IOW Modern Slavery Partnership.

“The restrictions on businesses and movement during the pandemic has meant that it has been easier to recognise where children maybe being exploited.

“We now have more opportunities to take action against offenders and protect vulnerable adults and children. The public are our eyes and ears. If you see anything suspicious or anyone you are concerned about, please get in touch.”

Southampton Test MP, Alan Whitehead branded the figures “incredibly worrying” and added that this is “another element of hidden harm that is becoming evident during this pandemic”.

“County lines activity in particular is something that I am very concerned about and I hope that the new Conservative led council will make these most vulnerable children a priority.”

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith added these are “horrific crimes” and said: “It is vital that we crackdown on the criminals who have no regard for the lives that they destroy. I commend the work being done by the police and other organisations to crack down on this terrible criminal behaviour.”