Police investigating slavery allegations in South Wales are searching a farm for a buried body.
Gwent Police say the property in the village of Peterstone near Newport is now the centre of their investigation, which includes digging for the body of an “unknown person” who may have been buried at the site.
Earth moving machinery and ground X-ray equipment is being used as specialist search teams, accompanied by a forensic archaeologist, continue their work.
Two men, aged 66 and 42, were arrested at the address yesterday, and a man of eastern European origin was taken to safety.
The man, thought to be Polish, remains at an undisclosed medical reception centre where his physical and mental condition is being assessed.
He is currently being helped by members of the Red Cross as well as police, who are trying to establish the circumstances under which he was staying at the farm.
Arrests were also made at a flat in Cardiff and a house in Penhow in Monmouthshire. Searches there have now ended.
The four people were arrested on suspicion of slavery and servitude offences, and remain in custody assisting officers with their inquiries following the granting of an extension.
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths said: “As a result of the publicity generated by the police activity I’m grateful to the people who have contacted us with information which is assisting our inquiry.
“Importantly, we’ve received a number of calls from individuals who may also be potential victims or important witnesses.
“In addition, I’m making a personal appeal to the author of an anonymous letter which was sent to a neighbouring force some months ago to contact us.”
The investigation forms part of “Operation Imperial”, which began six months ago, after the recovery of a man living in poor conditions in Peterstone, who had been reported missing 13 years earlier.
Search For Body In Suspected Slavery Case
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