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Police search for body on Welsh farm as part of anti-slavery operation Police search for body on Welsh farm as part of anti-slavery operation
(about 2 hours later)
Police are searching for a body at a farm raided by police as part of an anti-slavery operation.Police are searching for a body at a farm raided by police as part of an anti-slavery operation.
Officers say the search, which is being overseen by a forensic archeologist, could take several days. Among the sites on the farm in south Wales that are being examined is a large compost heap. Officers say the search, which is being overseen by a forensic archaeologist, could take several days. Among the sites on the farm in south Wales that are being examined is a large compost heap.
Police said on Monday that four people had been arrested in an series of armed raids. Police said on Monday that four people had been arrested in a series of armed raids.
More than 100 officers from Gwent police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) targeted properties following the discovery of a 43-year-old man living in poor conditions in Marshfield, Newport, earlier this year, more than a decade after he was reported missing by his family. More than 100 officers from Gwent police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) targeted properties after a 43-year-old man was found living in poor conditions in Marshfield, Newport, earlier this year, more than a decade after he was reported missing by his family.
Forensic teams are now combing the site on the strength of intelligence which suggests the body of an unknown person may be buried there.Forensic teams are now combing the site on the strength of intelligence which suggests the body of an unknown person may be buried there.
A 66-year-old man and 42-year-old woman, both from Marshfield, a Cardiff man, 36, and a woman, 42, from Penhow, Monmouthshire, are being questioned by police.A 66-year-old man and 42-year-old woman, both from Marshfield, a Cardiff man, 36, and a woman, 42, from Penhow, Monmouthshire, are being questioned by police.
Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths, of Gwent police, said the raids were the "latest phase of a long-running investigation into alleged offences of slavery and servitude".Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths, of Gwent police, said the raids were the "latest phase of a long-running investigation into alleged offences of slavery and servitude".
He continued: "The investigation began when a 43-year-old man was found to be living at the Marshfield site in very poor conditions having been reported missing by his family for 13 years.He continued: "The investigation began when a 43-year-old man was found to be living at the Marshfield site in very poor conditions having been reported missing by his family for 13 years.
"Since then a specialist team of detectives has been investigating and gathering intelligence to ascertain whether this part of a larger criminal conspiracy. "Since then a specialist team of detectives has been investigating and gathering intelligence to ascertain whether this is part of a larger criminal conspiracy.
"In addition to the suspected offences in relation to slavery and servitude, we are also acting on intelligence which suggests that the body of an unknown person may be buried at the Marshfield site.""In addition to the suspected offences in relation to slavery and servitude, we are also acting on intelligence which suggests that the body of an unknown person may be buried at the Marshfield site."
Other agencies involved include the UK Human Trafficking Centre, the RSPCA and the Red Cross.Other agencies involved include the UK Human Trafficking Centre, the RSPCA and the Red Cross.
As part of the operation a man of eastern European origin has been taken to hospital, where his physical and mental condition are being assessed.As part of the operation a man of eastern European origin has been taken to hospital, where his physical and mental condition are being assessed.
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