Police have visited several nail bars in Hertfordshire as part of an operation tackling modern slavery and human trafficking.

Officers visited businesses in Abbots Langley, St Albans, Harpenden, Potters Bar, Hatfield, and Letchworth between March 21 and April 11.

The visits, which were unannounced, were made by police and partner agencies and involved carrying out checks on whether labour exploitation is occurring.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says no victims of exploitation were identified at any of the businesses.

Detective Inspector Alex Willcox said: "Modern slavery is a serious and often hidden crime which continues to affect people across the UK.

"As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, victims were displaced, and the threat of labour exploitation was heavily impacted as public facing businesses closed often for lengthy periods of time.

"Now restrictions have been lifted, it is likely that some offenders will reassert their control over victims. For this reason, this intensification period focused on labour exploitation, in particular nail bars."

Anyone with concerns about human trafficking or modern slavery should call police via 101 or the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. In an emergency call 999. Or contact The Beacon hotline on 03000 11 55 55.