A SEA-SHANTY band is at the centre of a major modern slavery probe which was uncovered after their minibus was involved in a crash.
Six members of The Old Time Sailors, a 20-piece folk music group which has played at Glastonbury, were after their van hit trees near their base in Devon.
It follows claims that , including fiddlers, banjo strummers and accordion squeezers, were being kept in a caravan park near Tiverton for little or no wages.
It is understood that the group’s leader may have fled and is being sought by cops.
The band who are due to play Camp Bestival festival as well as a number of O2 arenas in Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol this summer, have been forced to cancel their upcoming gigs in .
One venue WAX in Watergate Bay said: “So, a little curveball for tonight – due to some unforeseen circumstances, we’ve had to switch up our planned music.”;;
Pictures showed the van crashed into trees following the accident involving a lorry around 7.30am on Monday.
It is understood they were returning from a 10pm gig in Liverpool the night before and had driven through the night before the prang.
No one was hurt but cops at the scene identified several people in the van as possible victims of exploitation.
Officers then searched the band’s caravan park in the hamlet of Gulworthy near Tiverton and identified more potential victims, numbering eight in total who are now being “safeguarded”;;.
Devon and Cornwall Police sergeant Thomas Ottley said: “As part of our response to the initial incident, we identified several of the occupants of the van as being potential victims of exploitation offences.
“They are receiving specialist support and being safeguarded at this time.
“Shortly after, officers carried out a search at an address in the Gulworthy area which led to the identification of further potential victims.
“We worked alongside the local authority and partner agencies yesterday in safeguarding these individuals and their support was very much appreciated.
“As part of this investigation, we have arrested six males on suspicion of modern-day slavery offences.
“They are currently in custody assisting us with our enquiries.”;;
The six arrested were later bailed as enquiries continue.
In an update yesterday (Thurs), cops said: “The six individuals who were arrested have all been bailed.
“The identified victims are being supported by specially trained officers and are receiving multi-agency support. Enquiries are ongoing.”;;
The band, which plays classic shanties including Galway Girl and The Wild Rover, have been accused of not paying its musicians.
An official statement from the band described the modern slavery claims as “scandalous accusations, speculation and fabrications”;; and part of “an online hate campaign”;;.
It added: “The sad fact is a certain crew member parted ways with the band, and following this we received a very threatening email.
“We didn’t respond, and then suddenly it happened. Accusations, lies, horror stories and ruinous allegations.
“We will instead focus on what we have put all our efforts into; the music and performing. We love our fans so thank you for all the support and we hope to see you at a show soon.”;;
