A SUSPECTED brothel in one of the most affluent parts of Colchester has been raided by Essex Police. Officers received reports from concerned members of the public about the home in the Lexden area and five officers, armed with a battering ram and search warrant attended.

A SUSPECTED brothel in one of the most affluent parts of Colchester has been raided by Essex Police.

Officers received reports from concerned members of the public about the home in the Lexden area and five officers, armed with a battering ram and search warrant attended.

However, they were allowed in by an occupant and found four women inside.

They also arrested a man, 35, and a 21-year-old woman at the house on suspicion of controlling prostitutes for financial gain.

No action has been taken against the four women at this stage, although officers are keeping an open mind about whether they were prostitutes.

Inspector Andy Fushersaid a mobile phone recovered from the house had been inundated with calls from potential customers.

The raid happened about noon last Thursday, but details have only just been released by Essex Police.

However, the force has refused to reveal the street address where the arrests took place, fearful of attracting more potential customers.

Insp Fusher said: “We are trying to protect people who live in the area and we have had information that taxis have been bringing people who have been using it in the middle of the night.”

He said it was difficult to close such an operation down because of the way it is run from a house, but said police would use surveillance and be in close contact with residents to make sure the problems do not reoccur.

The two people arrested have been released on police bail while inquiries continue.