BOLTON Council suspected 15 children were being subjected to modern slavery last year as the local authority cracks down on the "deeply alarming" crime.

Home Office data shows the council made 15 referrals to police as part of the National Referral Mechanism (NFM) scheme – all of them were aged 17 or under.

In 11 cases Greater Manchester Police were alerted, while Lancashire Constabulary, West Yorkshire Police, the Met Police in London and Hampshire Constabulary each received one referral.

In 2019, there were a total of 16 referrals made in which the suspected victims were aged 17 and under. Although the number dropped last year, the amount of cases is still more than triple the amount recorded two years ago in 2018 (four).

Shadow executive member for children’s services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said: “While there has been a very small reduction in the referral rates of child slavery cases, the numbers are still worryingly high.

"I have managed to get this matter on the agenda of the next children’s scrutiny committee where l shall be pressing for maximum action to reduce the overall figures.”

A council spokesman said: “Any incidence of children being exploited for criminal activities is deeply alarming.

“We are working to help prevent abuse taking place and to identify and offer support to victims whilst making sure action is taken against the people responsible.

“Although the Covid crisis and consequent lockdown has placed huge pressures on councils, child protection remains a key priority for Bolton. We continue to work alongside our partners at Greater Manchester Police, health, education and voluntary agencies to tackle the exploitation that children are subject to.

“Close working relationships are maintained in intervening and taking protective action to prevent further abuse, but also in offering support to victims, as well as direct action against the perpetrators.

"We promote community safety and look to reduce opportunities for exploitation occurring.”