TWO men have been arrested under the modern slavery act following raids in Lowesmoor, Worcester last night.

Lowesmoor was closed following two warrants, one at a licensed premises and another at a private home.

A Worcester detective said: "The warrants were executed by police and a large number of partner agencies including the National Crime Agency, Hereford and Worcester fire service, trading standards, HMRC and SIA.

"Due to the number of staff and vehicles present, Lowesmoor was briefly closed to vehicular traffic to ensure the safety of the public and staff. Pedestrian access was uninterrupted.

"Two males were arrested from the licenced premise on suspicion of offences under the Modern Slavery Act. The investigation is on going."

Eyewitnesses reported heavy police activity at a building at the Pheasant Street end of the street.

Photos supplied by a reader also show uniformed police officers in an upstairs window, police vans and officers carrying out patrols in the street.

An eyewitness said: "I was on phone talking to parents when at about 11.20pm when I noticed most of West Mercia Police arrive.

"They closed the road off turning left on to Lowesmoor road from traffic lights junction from Pheasant Street.

"Then we watched police in five vans and five marked and five unmarked vehicles stream past.

"They then started to search the property and a vehicle in the carpark they even searched the flat roof on the back of the property they appeared to be there until at least 2am."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We want to reassure the local community to not be alarmed while there is a heightened police presence.

"A number of officers will remain in the area this evening and into the early hours while they conduct their investigations. Road closures are in place so please take an alternative route."

A later message from the police said: "Lowesmoor in Worcester has now reopened following on from a warrant that police carried out this evening. Thank you for your patience while officers continue to conduct their enquiries."

This story will be updated when we have obtained further details.