A charity is urging people in the North East to raise the alarm about modern-day slavery anonymously as part of a new campaign.

According to Crimestoppers, the number of victims has increased over the past decade and as most victims suffer unnoticed behind closed doors, the true scale of people being exploited, abused, and used as modern slaves is unknown.

Fleur Brown, North East regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Our charity knows that victims of modern slavery are living in fear of the people who have trafficked or enslaved them.

"We are fully behind efforts to get them out of their exploitative and often inhumane circumstances. They often do not know their rights or how to raise concerns.

"Those who are victims need people like us to speak up on their behalf, so please be aware so you can spot the signs of exploitation and contact us 100% anonymously."

Public reporting to Crimestoppers can be done by calling 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

For young people, advice is available at Fearless.org.