FOUR men and a woman have appeared at a St Helens court accused of forcing Romanian people to work as couriers for a company that delivers goods ordered from an online shopping giant.

Police confirmed they each faced charges of "requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour" after officers executed a warrant at Owen Street, Thatto Heath yesterday.

At St Helens Magistrates' Court this afternoon, Prosecutor Lionel Cope outlined charges which involve allegations the defendants helped to bring over people from Romania to work as couriers for company that delivers products for online retail giant Amazon.

Those facing the charges are: Daniel-Marius Barbu, 36, of Meadow Lane, Parr

Bogdan Daniel Duican, 30, of Meadow Lane, Parr

Alina-Codruta Preda, 32, of Oakhill Close, Maghull

Dragos Preda, 30, of Meadow Lane, Parr

Manvinder Raina, 25, of Dibble Road, Smethwick, West Midlands

Alina-Codruta Preda, brother Dragon Preda and Raina appeared first, with Barbu and Duican appearing in the dock separately.

All five pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

They will all appear at a pre-trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, January 4.

All five were bailed however prosecutors appealed the bail and magistrates decided to remand them in custody until the appeal is held.