MODERN slavery is far more prevalent in Oxfordshire than previously thought, it has been revealed.

A report released by the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld shows that many cases of people being trafficked or used as slaves go unreported to police.

New information using data from support services shows that the number of victims is considerably higher than first thought - with hundreds more identified in the county.

Currently, criminal justice figures suggest that in 2016 there were around 533 modern slavery victims in the Thames Valley - and approximately 157 in Oxfordshire.

However, the latest evaluation estimated the actual number to be at around 2,500 victims across the Thames Valley, with around 737 of those here in the county.

Mr Stansfeld said: “This report has highlighted the extent of modern slavery in the area and gives us a better picture of both the victims and perpetrators of this crime and the potential number of victims.

“We know there are likely to be more victims of modern slavery in the Thames Valley and it is important we continue to raise awareness of the issue to both identify victims and effectively tackle this awful crime."

Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain.

Victims are tricked or threatened into work and many feel unable to leave through fear or intimidation.

The new stats - which arose in an evaluation of victim support service - shed more light on the hidden world that police say happens all around us.

The release follows the launch of Thames Valley Police's Hidden Harm campaign in October, which seeks to raise awareness of the abuse hidden in communities.

However, the force did not reveal specific instances of modern slavery in Oxfordshire or where they were found.

The report, which was commissioned by Mr Stansfeld and undertaken by Dr Nadia Wager and Angel Wager from the University of Huddersfield, presents findings of an evaluation of a new service to identify and support victims.

The Thames Valley Independent Trauma Advisory (ITA) pilot project was initially funded by the PCC in 2014 to work with victims of modern slavery and exploitation, providing support and ensuring their safety.

Mr Stansfeld was then able to secure funding from the Home Office to further develop the model for another two years from 2015 to 2017.

Over the course of the pilot, the ITA project supported 145 victims. The number of victims referred to the service increased over the period and many victims experienced more than one form of exploitation.

The common perception that most victims are trafficked from outside the UK is debunked by the new findings, which show that more than half of victims referred to the service were UK citizens.

The police commissioner added: "There are many mistaken perceptions about modern slavery and it is crucial that the public are aware that anyone can be a victim of modern slavery.

"It is important to note that the perpetrators aren’t always organised crime groups and in fact can often be individuals and couples including ‘friends’ of the victim."

Mr Stansfeld pledged to maintain support for modern slavery victims as a financial priority.

He will also fund a modern slavery coordinator for the Thames Valley.

Victims in the Thames Valley can access support by visiting victims-first.org.uk or nationally by calling the National Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700