The Ely Five Star Hand Car Wash was temporarily closed by representatives from the Health and Safety Executives during a visit from Cambridgeshire Police on February 20.

Cambridgeshire Police officers visited the Ely Five Star Hand Car Wash as part of their efforts to combat modern slavery.

Despite no modern slavery victims being identified in the visit, Health and Safety Executives have temporarily shut the car wash due to poor electrical infrastructure.

The executives have given advice to the car wash on how to amend this before it reopens.

Representatives from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Health and Safety Executive, Immigration, Fire Service and East Cambridgeshire Environmental Service as part of the operation.

Police officers focus on car washes when checking on modern slavery as there have been cases of modern slavery linked to the car washing industry.

Following the visit to Ely on February 20, Cambridgeshire Police have said the signs that modern slavery could be taking place at a car wash.

These include anyone at the car was who:

- Seems overly tired

- Shows signs of physical abuse

- Appears intimidated by employers

- Lacks protective equipment

- Isn't able to come and go as they wish

- Is unpaid or is paid very little

- Works excessively long hours

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South Neighbourhood Support Sergeant, Amanda Rossiter, who led the operation, stated: “Thanks to the collaboration of partner agencies, we were able to ensure the well-being of workers at the site today. 

"Although no victims were found, it’s a reminder to businesses that prioritising worker welfare is crucial for Cambridgeshire Police.

"We want to encourage the public to be vigilant of the signs of modern slavery and urge everyone to report anything they believe to be suspicious. 

"We would rather visit a site and discover everything is legitimate than have a victim of slavery trapped in a dire situation."  "