Man arrested following modern slavery dawn raids in Newham, Ilford and Barking

A man has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences following a series of dawn raids in which more than 50 people were rescued.

Five houses - two in Newham and one in each of Barking, Ilford and Walthamstow - were raided simultaneously by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority as part of an investigation into the exploitation of eastern European workers.

The action follows intelligence relating to allegations of labour abuse on construction sites across the capital, threats of violence and false identities being used.

A number of people, all believed to be Romanian or Moldovan, were found living at the five raided addresses , including 23 in one house.

Ten have been taken to a reception centre where they can speak to specially trained officers.

The arrested man, a Romanian national in his 20s, is currently in custody at Forest Gate police station.