A SUSPECTED brothel has been shut down after police burst in to find a man who admitted to paying for sexual services.

Officers executed a warrant at a property in Bedford Road, Reading, last week when they found the man and three women.

On Friday, Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council were granted a closure order for the house for three months.

The order prevents anyone from remaining on or entering the premises at any time.

Inspector Keith Stacey said: "Prostitution has been raised as an issue by the residents of the Oxford Road area during surveys carried out by the Oxford Road Neighbourhood Action Group.

“We have been working tirelessly to deal with these issues. Not only have we been addressing street prostitution but we have again worked to close a brothel.

“We have serious concerns about the women who are often victims of human trafficking to work in the sex industry and are controlled by fear and violence for the gain of unscrupulous people and we will continue to carry out such activity.

"Safeguarding vulnerable people such as these women is a priority for the police and our partner agencies.

“I would urge anyone who has any concerns or information about such activity to contact the police on the 101 number or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The women are now being looked after by a support agency.

Anyone caught trying to enter the property could be jailed for 51 weeks and fined up to £5,000.

Sarah Gee, Reading Borough Council's head of housing and neighbourhoods, added: "Reading Borough Council fully supports the action of the police in closing this property to protect vulnerable women. Tackling exploitation in all its forms is a priority for the council, police and all of our community safety partners.”