Three local men have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences following a raid on a flower picking farm on the Lizard this morning.

A major multi-agency operation is currently taking place after a modern slavery warrant was executed by police, with support from the Gang Masters Labour Abuse Authority, HMRC, Cornwall Council, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Specialist officers executed the warrant at Bosahan Farm, a flower picking farm near Manaccan, this morning on the suspicion that modern slavery offences were taking place against migrant workers. The three men who were arrested are now in police custody awaiting questioning.

"The safeguarding of the welfare of approximately 200 workers at these farms is now being managed by Cornwall Council with support from the Salvation Army at a specially created reception centre," said a police spokesman. "Those affected by this alleged crime are mostly male migrants thought to be from Lithuania, Romania and Bulgaria."

All potential victims of modern slavery in England and Wales are offered specialist support through the Salvation Army as part of a Government contract to help start them on the long road to recovery.

Kathryn Taylor, from the Salvation Army's anti-trafficking and modern slavery unit, said: "The Salvation Army is ready to receive and support anyone who is identified as a potential victim of modern slavery from the raid in Cornwall early this morning. We will be available if needed to provide support at a reception centre and offer immediate assistance to any potential victims.

“It is vital that all victims of modern slavery are given the opportunity to reflect on their experience in a safe and supportive environment, and to gain access to the assistance they so desperately need and deserve.

"All potential adult victims are offered support from The Salvation Army under a Government contract and should they wish to receive the assistance, then they will receive immediate access to specialised support, such as counselling, interpretation services, legal and immigration advice, medical and financial assistance and safe house accommodation if needed.

“Once they have been identified as potential victims The Salvation Army works with survivors of this heinous crime as they begin the long journey to rebuild their lives and their trust in humanity.

“We provide effective support ranging from intensive 24/7 assistance and accommodation for those in the first stages of recovery or those with high-level needs, to outreach support for those living in independent accommodation. If needed, victims are safely delivered away from any danger areas to receive the care they need to help transform their lives and start them on the long road to recovery."

She added: “We are working with Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council, and other partners and are grateful for the proactive approach that has to been taken by all involved as we work together to help stamp out this horrendous trade in human lives.”