A 20-YEAR-OLD man was brought to Bolton from Poland and forced to stay in the back of a white van — after responding to an internet advert promising work in the UK.

Officers investigating human trafficking are now appealing for information after the man contacted police last week.

He told officers he had responded to an advert on the internet advertising work abroad and then brought from Poland to the Bolton area.

He was promised payment but did not receive any money — and was told to stay in the back of a white Fiat Ducato parked in Old Kiln Lane.

It is thought other men were also being forced to stay in the van.

Det Const Phil Warburton said: “From what we have been told, we believe other men may have been staying inside the van and we are keen to trace where this vehicle is. We are obviously concerned of the welfare of these people and are eager to find out if they are okay.

“We are particularly keen to trace the van’s registration number. We understand it was parked in Old Kiln Lane between Tuesday August 4 and Tuesday August 18 and I would ask anyone who may have seen it or witnessed anything suspicious to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5992 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.