Two West Midlands recycling plants are being investigated for modern slavery offences.

Three men have been arrested after police searches at CAP Recycling in West Bromwich and sister firm Black Country Recycling in Oldbury yesterday discovered six Polish men suspected of being victims of slave labour.

The men were reportedly working for as little as £1 an hour and sleeping on cardboard.

One man is alleged to have been forced to work despite suffering from a broken shoulder whilst others are alleged to have been found showing signs of malnutrition and alcohol dependency. They are now being supported by the Red Cross.

Police Inspector Colin Mattinson, who is leading the operation, said: “It’s believed the men taking advantage of these people – and playing on their vulnerabilities by plying them with alcohol – were living luxury lifestyles and driving around in high-value cars.

“Cruel individuals are making large sums of money on the back of others’ misery – so please call us if you suspect people are being exploited in your community.”