Suspected brothels raided in Warrington and Widnes

Officers from Cheshire Police Northern Exploitation Team have conducted two warrants in Widnes and Warrington following intelligence from the community.

Over recent weeks officers have received a number of reports of vulnerable women being sexually exploited at two massage parlours.

On Monday 4 March officers executed warrants premises on Lovely Lane, Warrington and Albert Road, Widnes.

A 48-year-old woman was arrested at the site in Warrington on suspicion of allowing a premises to be used as a brothel, breaching immigration bail and two counts of modern-day slavery (trafficking and forced labour).

A 41-year-old woman was also arrested at the premises in Widnes who is being held on suspicion of allowing a premises to be used as a brothel and modern-day slavery (forced labour).

Both women have since been released on conditional bail until Wednesday 29 May.

Speaking after the warrants Detective Sergeant Joe Davies, of the Northern Exploitation Team, said:

“Firstly, I would like to thank the local community for the information they provided which led to today’s warrants.

“While this investigation is in the early stages, intelligence suggest that the premises were both being used as brothels.

“Often, those working in premises of this nature are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Many of them are trafficked to the UK where they often become victims of modern slavery offences and further criminal exploitation.

“Our work will continue in tackling this crime, but we can’t do it alone. We strongly need the community to come forward with any information or suspicions they have and report them to us. Together we can help protect the vulnerable and punish the perpetrators.”

Anyone with concerns about crime in their local community can contact Cheshire Police via 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/.