THE UK’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner was in West Yorkshire yesterday to see how police are leading the way in tackling human trafficking and slavery.

Kevin Hyland met West Yorkshire Police and Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson to hear about the West Yorkshire Anti-Trafficking Network (WYATN), and a dedicated human trafficking unit set up by the force - only the second of its kind in England behind the Met.

Mr Hyland also met West Yorkshire’s Temporary Chief Constable Dee Collins and attended an WYATN meeting where he heard from the Hope for Justice charity about work being done to train front-line staff in how to spot the signs of people being trafficked.

Mr Burns-Williamson said West Yorkshire Police and partners were leading the way in tackling human trafficking and bringing the "vile perpetrators of this crime to justice."

"It was great to be able to show and discuss with Mr Hyland the work and progress we have been making," he said.

"I told him about my plans to set up a National Trafficking Network amongst PCCs to help share best working practices and increase awareness.

"I also informed him about the WYATN, and the new dedicated unit which will spread awareness of human trafficking and lay the groundwork for coordinated efforts to address the issue regionally, nationally and internationally.

"West Yorkshire has already seen a number of operations relating to human trafficking resulting in the rescue of many vulnerable victims, but this activity is potentially just the tip of the iceberg.

"I discussed with Mr Hyland how quality training is essential for officers and front-line staff to make sure that victims are recognised and supported."

Mr Hyland said he was "supportive and grateful" for West Yorkshire's commitment to responding to and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society.

"It is clear West Yorkshire Police has determined that the investigation of this serious and organised crime is a priority, and their partnership model is one I am looking into in my search to identify best practice," he said.

"Modern slavery must be stamped out of our cities and towns and this can only be achieved through effective partnerships such as the Anti-Trafficking Network in West Yorkshire.

"I particularly welcome the focus on transparency in supply chains, and society and businesses must do more to ensure supply chains are not generating profit from the suffering of modern slaves."

Temporary Chief Constable Collins said the criminals behind human trafficking made huge profits from the "shocking exploitation of vulnerable people."

"We are determined to tackle this dreadful crime and the recent formation of a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit in West Yorkshire will significantly bolster our ability to work with other agencies to protect victims and deal with offenders," she added.

The WYATN was funded with £200,000 from the Ministry Of Justice, to raise awareness, train staff, and help support victims of trafficking.