POLICE and council officers have finally confirmed they are investigating the scandal of slave labour on travellers sites - eight weeks after it was exposed by the Echo.

In April, we revealed how some travellers at Basildon sites were recruiting homeless and vulnerable people as live-in labourers.

The men, known as "dossers" or "slaves", are poorly paid and sometimes given just food and sub-standard lodgings.

We even found evidence some had been assaulted or held against their will. Yet following publication police were reluctant to say if they were investigating.

Residents met police, Basildon Council and Billericay MP John Baron for talks and now, after pleas from Hovefields Residents' Association, there has been confirmation a probe is under way.

Jenny Mace, from Hovefields Drive, said: "It is appalling what is going on.

"This should have been investigated as soon as it was published."

David Walsh, from Hovefields Avenue, said: "Police initially said individual incidents had been investigated.

"I explained we see it on a daily basis.

"Police said they found no evidence of people held against their will.

"But there are issues of tax and minimum wage.

"At some properties, a minority do not appear to be there by choice and are vulnerable people - drug addicts, alcoholics and the like - taken in and put to work.

"We have seen people with black eyes. I told them about John Wild, who the travellers say they look after but has not washed for a year and sits on my kerb picking off nits.

"The police seemed surprised. Why is there not a joined-up approach with social services, police, the council and the tax man?

"You can't look at incidents individually. It is part of a pattern."

Chief Insp Simon Dobinson, of Basildon police, said: "This investigation is currently ongoing and we welcome any information from residents.

"We urge the community to speak to us and assist us with this as well as any other matters of concern."

Ray McKay, council spokesman, said: "There were a number of matters raised at the meeting which will be investigated."