Sea shanty band caught in slavery probe as six members are arrested while group's leader 'goes on the run' after minibus crash
A West Country sea shanty band who have played Glastonbury is today at the centre of a modern slavery investigation after their minibus crashed on the edge of Dartmoor.
Six members of The Old Time Sailors have been arrested by Devon and Cornwall Police and there are reports that the band's leader is on the run and being sought by detectives.
Officers were called to Dolvin Road in Tavistock at 7.30am on Monday, May 19 and revealed the following day that they believed some people in the van may have been possible victims of exploitation.
The band, which has around 20 members, were apparently travelling back from a gig in Liverpool the night before when their bus came off the road into some trees. No injuries were reported.
There was then a raid on a caravan park linked to the band in nearby Gulworthy where eight potential victims of modern slavery were found.
These are now being 'safeguarded', police have said, adding that six men were arrested on suspicion of modern-day slavery offences and later bailed.
The Old Time Sailors, whose wild shanties include Galway Girl and The Wild Rover, are accused of barely paying some of its musicians, despite playing huge venues around the UK. Fans are encouraged to dress like pirates and dance like drunken sailors.
But the band have hit back, insisting they are a 'family' and 'share' all their costs, calling the accusations false and 'ruinous'.
Devon and Cornwall Police, Sergeant Tom 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. We appreciate the activity may have caused some confusion and concern amongst the local community.'
The six arrested were later bailed.
The Sun claims that musicians working for the band were being kept in a farmhouse in east Devon and earning little or no wages.
Yesterday police 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 have issued a statement on Facebook branding it 'scandalous accusations, speculation and fabrications about Old Time Sailors' - but did not mention the police investigation.
They are on the bill at Camp Bestival festival and have gigs planned in Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol this summer - but concerts in Newquay this week have been cancelled.
'We are aware of a number of articles currently online and categorically state that none of what is being said is the actual truth. It is what might sadly get acknowledged these days as an online hate campaign', they said.
'At no point has any of the information been even slightly fact checked. Fake websites and anonymous social media posts are supposedly telling the truth …but it's an elaborate web of hate. It is dangerous and highly illegal.
'The true facts are Old Time Sailors are a collective of musicians who tour as a family. Yes it's true, we live and travel collectively. We share our costs and overheads. We just have a love of music and performing.
The Old Time Sailors have hit back on Facebook, insisting they are a 'family' and 'share' all their costs, calling the accusations false and 'ruinous'.
'Why is this happening? We have been asking the same question. The sad fact is a certain crew member parted ways with the band, and following this we received a very threatening email indicating what could be made to happen if we did not do certain things. But we didn't respond, and then suddenly it happened. Accusations, lies, horror stories and ruinous allegations.
'We still choose to focus on performing - living the free life we chose, and making connections with local communities. We teach and learn new music as we go along and have fun while we travel around. It is what we are all about.
'We all know it's never right to make assumptions about anyone's situation, or glean so called 'facts' from anonymous social media posts.
'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.'
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