Two women have been arrested in Paisley for exploitation offences after Police Scotland and the Home Office carried out an intelligence-led operation yesterday.

Officers, alongside the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team searched three addresses in the Renfrewshire town on Thursday 26 September.

Two woman, aged 38 and 44, were arrested and charged in connection with human trafficking, brothel keeping and serious and organised crime offences.

They are due to appear in court next month on Thursday 24 October.

The investigation follows an extensive enquiry into brothel keeping, human trafficking and serious and organised crime offences at premises in the Abercorn Street area of the town.

Detective Sergeant Jason Buxton, of the Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Public Protection Pro Active Unit, said: “We are committed to working with our partners to pursue those involved in this type of criminality, with strong focus on safeguarding individuals who may be at risk of exploitation.

"This type of criminality can have long lasting and detrimental effects on people who are exploited whilst those who orchestrate this activity often benefit from the proceeds of this this exploitative abuse.

“Information from people within our communities is key to helping us identify those involved.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns about exploitation of any kind to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”