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'Slave' women rescued: Suspects were arrested in 1970s 'Slave' women rescued: Suspects were arrested in 1970s
(35 minutes later)
Two people arrested in south London on suspicion of keeping three women as slaves for 30 years were detained in the 1970s, police have revealed.Two people arrested in south London on suspicion of keeping three women as slaves for 30 years were detained in the 1970s, police have revealed.
The couple, both 67 and understood to be married, were arrested and bailed on Thursday. Police would not reveal why they were arrested in the 1970s.The couple, both 67 and understood to be married, were arrested and bailed on Thursday. Police would not reveal why they were arrested in the 1970s.
Commander Steve Rodhouse told a press briefing that the three women told police they had been beaten.Commander Steve Rodhouse told a press briefing that the three women told police they had been beaten.
The women, aged 69, 57 and 30, were rescued in Lambeth last month.The women, aged 69, 57 and 30, were rescued in Lambeth last month.
'Invisible handcuffs''Invisible handcuffs'
News of their plight did not emerge until Thursday, when police revealed the women, a 69-year-old Malaysian, a 57-year-old Irish national and a 30-year-old Briton, had managed to leave a house in Lambeth on 25 October.News of their plight did not emerge until Thursday, when police revealed the women, a 69-year-old Malaysian, a 57-year-old Irish national and a 30-year-old Briton, had managed to leave a house in Lambeth on 25 October.
They are not believed to be related or victims of trafficking. They are not believed to be victims of trafficking.
Mr Rodhouse described the three women as having been restrained by "invisible handcuffs" and confirmed they have made a clear allegation of slavery against the two suspects, who are also currently under investigation for suspected immigration offences.Mr Rodhouse described the three women as having been restrained by "invisible handcuffs" and confirmed they have made a clear allegation of slavery against the two suspects, who are also currently under investigation for suspected immigration offences.
He said the women had given a "disturbing picture" of their experience, although Mr Rodhouse said the household could have appeared as a "normal family" to others.He said the women had given a "disturbing picture" of their experience, although Mr Rodhouse said the household could have appeared as a "normal family" to others.
House search
The case has been described as "unique" by the force and its entire 37-person specialist team is working on it.The case has been described as "unique" by the force and its entire 37-person specialist team is working on it.
Mr Rodhouse said the two suspects had been bailed as the investigation would be a long one, but said they had not returned to the Lambeth property.Mr Rodhouse said the two suspects had been bailed as the investigation would be a long one, but said they had not returned to the Lambeth property.
The house has been subjected to a 12-hour search, with 55 bags of about 2,500 exhibits seized.The house has been subjected to a 12-hour search, with 55 bags of about 2,500 exhibits seized.
The rescue was staged after the 57-year-old woman secretly gained access to a phone and contacted Freedom Charity.
She first called on 18 October and there followed a number of conversations over a week, before the women left the property when the occupants of the house were not around.
They were met by police and representatives of the charity and moved to a safe location.
It is not yet known if the women are related but police believe the 30-year-old has spent her whole life in captivity. Officers are trying to establish whether she was born in the property.