VICTIMS of human trafficking and sexual exploitation could be identified and helped faster thanks to new guidance.

A new handbook to help taxi drivers and pub licensees identify victims has been released by Trafford Council, developed by Trafford Strategic Safeguarding Partnership.

The guide has been issued jointly by Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group, the council and police to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.

It contains guidance on human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and drugs trafficking. It also advises what people can do when suspicions arise, as well as how to report concerns and key information.

Cllr Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s cabinet member for public safety said: “Pub landlords and taxi drivers can act as the eyes and ears of our community.

"Therefore it’s important that licensees are able to recognise signs of abuse and know what to do if they become suspicious of anything.

“We’ve seen cases in other parts of Britain where vulnerable people have been rescued from horrific situations and it’s only right that we do our utmost to protect residents here in Trafford.”

The handbook will be made available to those applying for a taxi licence with Trafford Council.