Number of potential modern slavery victims in England and Wales hits record high

Police say modern slavery victims work across society from car washes to agriculture and nail bars. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The number of potential victims of modern slavery in England and Wales is at the highest levels since records began, according to official statistics.

A total of 4,746 people were referred to the Home Office from January to March as potential victims of exploitation, figures show – a rise of more than a quarter compared with the same period last year.