A PENSIONER suspected of keeping a modern day "slave" in his garden shed for 40 years has been interviewed and released under investigation, say officials.

Investigators confirmed yesterday that the 58-year-old alleged victim - found living in a squalid garden shed at the Hadrian's Park caravan site north of Carlisle - is continuing now getting professional support to help him recover from his ordeal.

Meanwhile, the 79-year-old man who has fallen under suspicion has been quizzed - though his relatives insist the man in his shed was not a slave.

There was widespread shock when the UK's Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) released pictures of the horrendous conditions that the suspected victim was living in - a damp and drafty garden shed measuring, measuring just 6ft 6ins square.

Its only "comforts" were a filthy duvet, a rusty electric heater, and a metal garden chair.

GLAA investigator Martin Plimmer said of the 79-year-old suspect: "He has been further interviewed and released under investigation.

"It is likely to be just one in a series of interviews. The process is taking a while because we're still going through a long process with the man we recovered.

"We're going through the process of trying to interview him, but he is extremely traumatised.

"We've employed experts to work with him.

"It's a difficult process and it's likely to take months.

"We are continuing the investigation and there are some positive lines of inquiry. There are people we have spoken to who may have relevant information, but we're still appealing for potential witnesses to come forward.

"If anybody has relevant information please get in touch."

The alleged victim, who has been cared for by the Salvation Army after he was taken away from the shed, was struggling to cope with his new situation, said Mr Plimmer.

The man was discovered last month during a 6am raid by officers from the GLAA and police.

Speaking at the time about what they found, Mr Plimmer said: "The individual [the alleged victim] emerged from within the shed and the only clothing he had were those he was standing up in .

"There was no heating in there.

"It was very cold. There was a bit of bedding on the floor, which was heavily soiled; and a cushion to lie down on. There was a window but it was insecure, and a draft was blowing through it. There was a board leaning against it, so there was no natural light in there.

"It was just a dark shed"

Reacting to the huge international news coverage of the story, a relative of the pensioner who was arrested told the News & Star: "That person is a free man.

"He's had everything given to him but this is how he chooses to live.

"This man is free to come and go as he pleased."

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slaver at The Salvation Army, described the case as "truly horrific and shocking." The Salvation Army operates a 24/7 confidential referral helpline (0300 303 8151) for anyone who suspects that they or someone they have come across may be a victim of modern slavery and needs help.

The GLAA can be contacted on 0800 432 0804.