A SOLEMN convoy of protesters silently strode through Oxford to condemn modern slavery.

The city was among 450 locations across the world to host a Walk For Freedom rally yesterday, dispelling the myth that slavery ended centuries ago.

The walk was organised by the A21 Campaign, which fights against human trafficking, and saw almost 100 people stride from Bonn Square to Radcliffe Square and back.

Wearing campaign t-shirts and carrying banners, they walked in single file and stopped at several landmarks on the way to hand out leaflets.

Ams Ukaegbu, who organised the Oxford walk, said: "It is an injustice that could affect all of us - modern slavery knows no boundaries. It's happening right here in our city.

"There have been increased rates of cases in the past few years. It's shocking."

Before they set off, she addressed the crowd after a Bonn Square busker stopped singing to allow use of his microphone.

She said: "Many people assume slavery is a thing of the past, but statistics tell us a different story.

"There are more slaves today than ever before in human history - people like you and I are bought and sold as commodities.

"We are here in strength and numbers as modern day abolitionists. We have the power to create change."

She urged people united against slavery to 'shake its foundation with our steps' and raise awareness.

In a final rallying call the Cowley resident added: "Our walk may be silent, but our silence speaks volumes.

"Every step we take locally leaves footsteps globally. This is our walk for justice.

"Let us be a voice for those who have been silenced, and shine a light on those who are hidden in plain sight.

"At any moment a number can become a name, and a tragedy can become a victory."

Lynda Brooks, who also took part, added: "Modern day slavery is still a reality. We are here to say 'not on our watch, not in Oxford.'

Last Thursday was Anti-Slavery Day, an annual event raising awareness of the issue and rallying for action to tackle it.

In December Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld revealed that modern slavery is far more prevalent in Oxfordshire than previously thought.

At the time, there were thought to be more than 700 victims of modern slavery living in the county, though many cases go unreported.

Though there are different types of modern slavery, it is generally defined as the illegal exploitation of people for commercial or personal gain.