A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences after a raid at a Vietnamese restaurant in Blackburn.


More than a dozen police officers swooped on Saigon Buffet in the town centre yesterday afternoon. 


Unmarked police cars with ‘National Crime Agency’ on the windscreen were spotted outside the Exchange Street restaurant. 


An immigration enforcement van was also seen pulling up and driving away.

MORE TOP STORIES:


Police could be seen going in and out of the property just after 1pm before the doors were closed. 


A witness reported seeing several police cars outside the restaurant which is behind the town hall.


He said: “There were about 14 police officers who went into the Saigon Buffet and there were police cars everywhere outside.”

One man, who works nearby, said: “I have not been to the restaurant before. 


“I think the new owner has been there for around six months. 


“The previous owner had ripped up some of the trees and the new one had replaced them.”


A National Crime Agency spokesman said: “Officers today arrested a 43-year-old woman at an address in central Blackburn on suspicion of modern slavery offences.


“The investigation is continuing.”