Cheshire police have arrested two women on suspicion of allowing businesses to be used as brothels.
Officers from the Northern Exploitation Team conducted two warranted raids in Widnes and Warrington after receiving numerous reports from the public concerned for the welfare of vulnerable women being sexually exploited at two massage parlours.
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, and a 41-year-old woman was arrested at the premises in Widnes and was being held on suspicion of allowing a premises to be used as a brothel and modern-day slavery.
Both women have now been released on conditional bail until Wednesday May 29.
Speaking after the raids Detective Sergeant Joe Davies 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.”
Featured image (c) Cheshire Police
