TWO suspected brothels operating out of massage parlours have been raided by police in two Cheshire towns.
Officers from Cheshire Police’s Northern Exploitation Team conducted two warrants yesterday (Monday, March 4).
One was at Genki Health Massage, on Lovely Lane in Bewsey, and the other was at Aura Health Massage, on Albert Road in Widnes.
It is believed that both massage parlours are linked, with the raids coming following intelligence being received by police from the community.
Over recent weeks, officers have received a number of reports of vulnerable women being sexually exploited at two massage parlours.
Following the warrants, 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).
Police executing a warrant at Genki Health Massage on Lovely Lane in Bewsey (Image: Warrington Guardian)
A 41-year-old woman was also arrested at the premises in Widnes, and she is being held on suspicion of allowing a premises to be used as a brothel and modern-day slavery (forced labour).
Speaking after the warrants, DS Joe Davies, of the Northern Exploitation Team, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the community for the information they provided which led to today’s warrants.
“While this investigation is in the early stages, intelligence suggests 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 cannot 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 community can call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/
A Warrington Borough Council spokesman said: “We work with partners to promote community safety, and any intelligence of such a nature is routinely shared with the police.”
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