Scotland Yard rescued three women who were being held as slaves for 3 decades from a home in London’s southern suburbs – one woman, 30 years old, likely had “no contact with the outside world” and never knew a day of freedom in her life until today.

Police arrested two people, a couple from Lambeth, each 67-years old.  Neither suspect is believed to be a British citizen. 

“In London we have investigated cases where people have been held in servitude or forced labour for up to 10 years, but 30 years is quite extraordinary and not something we have seen before,” said Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland, who leads the Met's human trafficking unit.

The women are described as a 69-year-old from Malaysia, a 57-year-old from Ireland, and the 30 –year old British national.  They are said to be “deeply traumatized”, and are being looked after by specialists.

The process of rescuing the women began when the Irish woman summoned the courage to call the “Freedom Charity” last month, an organization that combats child abuse and helps women escape arranged marriages.  She was spurred into action after seeing a television documentary featuring the founder of the organization.

The Freedom Charity then coordinated with the Metro Police human Trafficking unit to free the women. 

“I don't believe the neighbours knew anything about it at all,” said Anita Prem, the Freedom Charity’s director.  “It was just an ordinary house in an ordinary street.  They were very restricted on everything they could do.  We absolutely thrilled this has happened.”