‘Invisible handcuffs held women slaves’

LONDON: Police investigating the case of three women who were rescued after being allegedly held as slaves for more than 30 years said the victims were restrained by 'invisible handcuffs' in a house in south London.

Commander Steve Rodhouse from the Metropolitan Police said the women — a Malaysian (69), an Irish (57) and a Briton (30) — had given a disturbing picture of their experience. Though sexual exploitation wasn't found, the three women were mentally and physically tortured by the couple. They were physically beaten on several occasions. Shocking details that emerged on Friday revealed that one of the women held captive had suffered a stroke but was refused medical treatment by her captors.

A couple in their late 60s, who were arrested for allegedly holding the women captive, were on Friday granted bail till January. The Scotland Yard said they are not British nationals and had been arrested once before in the 1970s. The house was subjected to a 12-hour search. The police have collected 55 bags of evidence and about 2,500 exhibits.

The Scotland Yard has now deployed 37 specialists to crack the case.