DETECTIVES Have charged a man arrested in the south Belfast area as part of an investigation into human trafficking.

The 38-year-old has been charged with human trafficking and sexual offences and will appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court this morning, Thursday, April 27, for a first remand hearing.

It comes after police received a report that a woman was being assaulted outside a property on Tuesday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell, from PSNI Human Trafficking Unit, said: “Our enquiries led us to arrest a 38-year-old man on suspicion of a number of offences including human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and sexual assault.

“These enquiries, including a search of a property in the area are continuing as we work with partner agencies to ensure the woman receives appropriate support and assistance.”