Essex Police will tackle and promote the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking as part of a week-long campaign.

The issues, which are often associated with Britain's largest cities, is a problem in Essex too according to lead crime fighters and remains one of the force's highest priorities because of the harm caused to victims and the communities.

During the week of action, officers will be carrying out checks at ports and different workplaces across the county to identify any potential victims.

Advice will also be given to employers and employees about how to identify, safeguard and support victims in the workplace.

Research estimates there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of slavery in rural, urban and coastal communities across the UK.

Because of the number of ports of entry into the UK, the county force believes there are a "significant number of hidden sufferers” within Essex.

But to date, Essex Police has only taken one person to court for slavery offences.

Earlier this year, a force investigation led to Gheorge Negreanu, 24, from Maldon, being jailed for five-and-a-half years for trafficking women from Romania and forcing them into prostitution.

Det Supt Stuart Hooper of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "It is important for us as a police force to raise awareness of the devastating effect these crimes can have on victims, some of whom are vulnerable or unaware they are being exploited.

"It is also important that we seek to identify where offences have been committed, safeguard individuals, investigate those responsible and bring people before the courts where offences are identified.”

Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "I welcome this action from Essex Police both to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking and to identify potential victims.

"These hidden harms plague our communities day in and day out and we must all work together to identify, free and support victims and to bring the criminal traffickers and everyone involved to justice.”

Modern slavery surrounds the exploitation of people who are coerced or forced into a life of abuse or servitude. They often must accept inhumane or degrading treatment.

During the week, officers will be working with councils and other partner agencies to raise awareness of labour exploitation and slavery.

Anyone with information about possible slavery or sexual exploitation is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, they can visit https//crimestoppers-uk.org.