Three men have been charged with modern slavery offences following an investigation into car washes in Carlisle and Penrith.

The investigation was carried out by Cumbria's Police's North Crime and Safeguarding Team.

The offences date back to 2016 and 2017 and relate to a number of car washes in north Cumbria including the Shiny Car Wash in Warwick Road, Carlisle, the Shiny Car Wash in Penrith and the Auto Clean Car Wash in King Street in Carlisle.

The trio are all charged with conspiracy to commit offences of modern slavery, human trafficking and money laundering.

Defrim Paci, 39, of Windmill Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, Jetmir Paci, 35, of Minimum Terrace, Chesterfield and Sitar Ali, 30, of Adelaide Street, Carlisle will appear in Carlisle's magistrates' court on November 20.

* If you suspect human trafficking or modern day slavery you can report it by contacting police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Alternatively you can call the National Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.