THE number of potential victims of modern slavery had reached a record level, according to official data published today.

A total of 4,758 potential victims were referred to the Home Office between July and September, marking a 10 per cent increase on the previous quarter and a 15 per cent rise compared with the same period in 2023.

The Home Office said the number of referrals was the highest since the national referral mechanism (NRM) began in 2009.