HUNDREDS of potential slavery victims were referred to police in Avon and Somerset last year – and more than half of referrals involved children, figures show.

Modern slavery cases soared nationally last year, with the identification of thousands of potential victims meaning referrals for support in 2021 were the highest on record.

But police chiefs said the data is unlikely to show the true scale of modern slavery and trafficking in the UK and that there is "more to be done" to tackle the issue.

Home Office data shows 208 potential cases of modern slavery were flagged to Avon and Somerset Constabulary last year– and at least 121 (58%) of all referrals last year involved child victims.

Where a form of exploitation was recorded, the figures show 18 referrals were linked to labour related exploitation, 10 sexual and 63 criminal, such as "county lines" activity.

Overall, the number of referrals increased by 9%, from 191 in 2020.

Across the UK, more than 12,000 potential victims were referred to police last year – up 20% from 10,600 in 2020 and the highest number recorded since the Government's National Referral Mechanism was introduced in 2009.

Nationally, labour exploitation was most common among adult victims while criminal exploitation, including an increase in "county lines" cases, led to most child-related referrals.

But anti-slavery charity Unseen say the figures vastly underestimate the problem and called for more to be done to disrupt growing demand for the exploitative practice.

The charity's CEO Andrew Wallis said the impact of modern slavery – whether financial, sexual or criminal – can leave victims with life-long trauma, horrific physical injuries and a long journey to recovery.

He also warned that the Government's proposed Nationality and Borders Bill – which would see victims viewed as less credible if they miss the deadline for giving information about their experiences – could prevent some victims coming forward.