FOUR people have been arrested after police swooped on a suspected brothel in Halliwell.

Police raided the mid-terrace home after getting complaints from residents about suspicious activity at the address in Rushey Fold Lane.

Police seized £24,000 in cash from the house yesterday, and three people were arrested: a 33-year-old man and two women aged 19 and 40.

Another woman, aged, aged 35, was arrested today.

All four have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the management of a brothel and money laundering.

Police told nearby residents the raid was carried out because of a tip-off about prostitution, and they are now investigating a number of similar homes in the area.

People are being asked to "be the eyes and ears of the community" and to raise the alarm if something causes concern.

Bryan Dunning, aged 52, a Rushey Fold Lane resident, said: “I was shocked to hear what had happened.

"I saw the police and wondered what was going on.

"I have lived here for 25 years and I have never known anything like this on the road until now.

"It’s a little leafy suburb, and it’s the last thing you expect.

"We got a letter from police saying they were investigating prostitution.


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"I had seen a dolly bird coming from the back street at about 10am and did think it was strange but I didn’t know then.”

A woman, who did not want to be identified, said: “I saw a lot of police and presumed it was a drugs raid.

"A family had lived in the house previously but moved out a few weeks ago. I can’t believe it’s been happening so close to my home.”

The home is believed to be rented and is near Rushey Fold Court, which his home to many elderly people.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, from Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We were responding to residents’ complaints about anti-social behaviour, comings and goings, in the residential area.

"If people have witnessed anything suspicious I would urge people to give us a call.

“We take reports of these types very seriously and always take positive action whenever we can to improve the quality of people’s lives.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565761 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.