Police and immigration officers raided 25 places in Hertfordshire as part of a crackdown on trafficking of children.

Warrants were carried out in Watford, Abbots Langley, St Albans, Borehamwood, Radlett, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, Welwyn, Stevenage, Hertford, and Broxbourne, as well as in Barnet, between June 17 and June 23.

A number of arrests were made during the Europe-wide Operation EMPACT week of action.

During the week, Hertfordshire Constabulary's modern slavery unit conducted operations focusing on child trafficking and the exploitation of under 18s, and they were supported by force's child online safeguarding team.

Transport hubs and businesses which had been identified as potentially being connected to child trafficking were targeted. A number of children were identified and safeguarding measures were put in place due to this activity.

Hertsmere Borough Council were also involved in the operation alongside Essex Police, Eastern Region special operations unit, and immigration and border control.

While in Potters Bar, intervention officers from Hertsmere worked with communities to raise awareness of recognising and reporting child trafficking and exploitation.

• Two 18 year old men from Stevenage arrested on suspicion of online grooming of a child

• A 44 year old man from Watford arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children

• A 30 year old man from St Albans arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children

• A 27 year old man from Potters Bar arrested on suspicion of immigration offences

• A 21 year old man from Potters Bar arrested on suspicion of immigration offences