Borough exposes child trafficking, slavery and ritual abuse

Evidence of child trafficking has been uncovered in Enfield.

Officials found instances of benefit fraud, ritual abuse, forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and forced marriages.

A report by Enfield council said: "Contacts within children's services were certain there were 'plenty of instances' where mainly African children, particularly Nigerian, Congolese and Somali, were being used as house servants, who rarely came to the attention of authorities."

Councillor Henry Lamprecht said: "It is outrageous that in Britain in the 21st century human beings are being treated like cattle.

"Although much of the anecdotal evidence suggests the numbers involved are low, this is nevertheless a serious problem and the council will do all it can to tackle it. However, other national agencies and partners need to work with us to save the futures of thousands of vulnerable, men, women and children."

The report builds on the work of the Poppy Project, which provides accommodation and outreach services to women trafficked into London for sexual exploitation.

Since 2003, Enfield has referred 13 women to the project.