A police probe into alleged human trafficking was sparked after the crew on a ferry sailing toward Holyhead feared a man was having sex with an underage girl onboard. Staff on Stena Line's Estrid vessel, which had left Dublin bound for Wales late last November, witnessed the pair go into the craft's baby changing area and reported their concerns to the UK Border Force.
The two people, who are believed to be Romanian, were then apprehended after the Estrid docked at its destination. And although the girl was later found not to be under 16 red flags were raised over the potential existence of a human trafficking ring.
Border Force then referred the matter to North Wales Police who have confirmed that an investigation has been launched. The teenager, who was 16 at the time, has since been taken to a safe location, reports NorthWalesLive.
"We are currently investigating a case of human trafficking involving a 16-year-old female who is being safeguarded and supported," said detective inspector Richard Griffith. "A 25-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman were arrested in connection with the offence but later released on police bail whilst the investigation is continuing.”
A Stena Line spokesman said they would not comment on an active police investigation. The company reintroduced its Holyhead to Dublin route in mid-2021 having previously suspended it due to both Brexit and lockdown hitting freight trade between Wales and Ireland.
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