Speak up if you have suspicions about human trafficking.

That's the plea from police after a town was named as a hotspot for the crime.

Annan was flagged up as a problem place for the issue in a map published by the Scottish government last week.

It revealed there were 150 potential victims of human trafficking identified in Scotland in 2015.

Annan was included on a map of all locations where victims have been found in the last five years, while another victim was found in Dumfries.

Police Scotland said that it is asking both the public and businesses to be ethically aware of human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a sickening trade in vulnerable people,” said Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne.

“Police Scotland is committed to targeting those who seek to profit from exploiting others. We support all efforts to keep people safe from this type of activity.

“Trafficking is a challenging and complex issue to investigate, with most cases being protracted and involving law enforcement in more than one country, both in the UK, Europe and internationally.

“Trafficking is often a hidden crime and its victims frequently don’t see themselves as such, therefore we proactively look for victims.

“Police Scotland has a dedicated human trafficking unit which brings a high level of expertise and robust investigative techniques to identifying both victims and perpetrators.

“Police Scotland encourages reporting and would ask the public and businesses to be socially and ethically aware - if you suspect someone is being exploited and may have been trafficked, please contact us on 101.”

A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Council added that its social work services work in partnership with Police Scotland and NHS Dumfries and Galloway to ensure the safety and wellbeing of any person considered to be at risk.