A TEENAGE victim of human trafficking has been found in Helensburgh – the second such victim this year.

The 16-year-old girl was found at an as yet unnamed business in the town during a police operation on August 29, and is currently in the care of the authorities.

It follows the discovery of another 15-year-old girl at Nail Art, on Sinclair Street, on May 15.

Two Vietnamese nationals, aged 26 and 43, were arrested following May’s raid.

Police said investigations are ongoing into the latest incident, and have not confirmed where the latest victim was found.

It is not clear whether the the latest incident is linked to May’s discovery.

Detective Inspector James McArthur from Helensburgh police office said: “Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry and working with relevant partner agencies.

“We are committed to protecting people at risk of harm, including those who have been the victims of human trafficking.

“We would like to thank members of the Helensburgh community for their vigilance and we would continue to ask them to be alert and if they think that someone may be involved or be the victim of trafficking or exploitation.”

Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, Police Scotland's new divisional commander for Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, told the Advertiser last month that tackling human trafficking was amongst her top priorities.

But the latest incident has still shocked community representatives, who have called for vigilance.

West of Scotland MSP and Helensburgh resident Maurice Corry said: “My thoughts are with those who have suffered because of these awful crimes.

“It is of course very worrying to have had this happen in the Helensburgh area for a second time but I am pleased to hear that the Helensburgh community is keeping a vigilant eye to help combat these unforgivable crimes.”

Helensburgh’s MSP Jackie Baillie paid tribute to the people of the town and local police.

She said: “People will be surprised to hear that there has been human trafficking in Helensburgh.

“I pay tribute to the actions of local people and the police in dealing with this swiftly.

“We must make every effort to prevent exploitation of people and continue to be vigilant and report suspicions of human trafficking to the police.”

A spokeswoman for the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce, added: “This is appalling news and does Helensburgh no favours.

“Much work has gone into bringing Helensburgh to the fore as a good place to visit and spend time and this sort of news doesn’t help with that positive message.

“Of course we are very sorry for the people who have been victims of this horrible crime and we are very glad that the authorities are keeping on top of it with the help of the local community.

“This is certainly not the first time this sort of thing has happened in Helensburgh but we do sincerely hope the lesson has now been learned and it is the last.”

Anyone with concerns is asked to contact police via 101.