A SUSPECTED modern slavery victim has been rescued from a tiny shed where he had lived for more than 40 years.

Officials raided a travellers’ site yesterday and found the Brit, 58, in appalling conditions.

They say all he had in his unheated 6½ft by 6½ft wooden home was cardboard to sleep on, dirty bedding, a TV and a chair.

The dawn swoop by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority followed a tip-off claiming the man was being used to do unpaid work.

Another Brit, 79, living in a mobile home next to the shed, was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences at Hadrian’s Camp, a licensed site for gypsies and the homeless in Carlisle.

GLAA senior investigating officer Martin Plimmer said: “The initial report was that he had been there for 40 years and that appears at this stage to be the case.

“I have never heard of a case of modern slavery that has extended for this long.

"It is incomprehensible.”

The alleged victim was taken for medical checks after the raid, which was supported by cops and housing officials.

A member of staff at the site said: “Most people were aware that he was living there.

He used to do odd jobs for the older man and his family and he was pretty happy.

“He was free to come and go.

"He seems to have learning difficulties and people thought he was being looked after.

"He was fed and treated well.

"He was treated like one of the family but lived in the shed.”