DETECTIVES investigating the alleged false imprisonment of a young woman at a Stanmore house are searching for a woman who helped her escape.

In January last year a 20-year-old Somali woman, who had allegedly been trafficked into the UK, escaped from a house in Stanmore where she was allegedly being held against her will by a man and a woman.

Shortly after getting away from the house the victim went to a bus stop in Stanmore where a passing car stopped and a female driver got out.

The woman driver, who was also of Somali origin took care of the victim, allowing her to stay for four months eventually helping her move away from London with the support of a charity.

An allegation of false imprisonment and human trafficking later came to the attention of the Metropolitan Police Service who immediately launched an investigation.

A 33-year-old man and 33-year-old woman were arrested on Feb 1 this year on suspicion of false imprisonment and trafficking a person within the UK, and taken to a West London police station where they were later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

They are due to return in May.

Officers wish to trace the woman who assisted the victim by letting her stay and helping her move away from London to the shelter of a charitable organisation, where she is now safe.

The victim could only give limited information about the woman who was described as approximately 30 years old, of Somali origin who lived alone somewhere in London.

PC Kirsten Hadleigh, from the MPS Human Exploitation and Organised Crime Unit, said: "It is important we find the woman who helped the victim as it could assist our investigation.

"False imprisonment and human trafficking are serious offences and we are determined to investigate such allegations thoroughly in order to support victims and bring those responsible to justice.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward.

"The woman who helped the victim will be treated as a potential witness and is not in trouble. If you are that woman or you know who she is please contact the Metropolitan Police Service as soon as possible on 020 7161 0542.

"If you speak little or no English you can call the MPS on 0300 123 1212 where you will be able to speak through a translator. In an emergency always dial 999."