A SUSPECTED brothel in Huddersfield’s red light district has been raided and shut down.

Police swooped on the terrace house on Lower Fitzwilliam Street on Tuesday night.

Two East European women, aged 25 and 24, are due to be questioned for a second time through an interpreter today after being arrested.

Sgt John McFadzean, of Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said there had been a number of complaints from local residents and businesses about the premises.

He said: “A while back we had information at a PACT (police and communities together) meeting about activity taking place at the property.

“At the time we thought it was linked to the usual street workers down there.

“But we got some more information saying that men were coming and going from the house and young women were going in and out.”

During Tuesday’s raid, officers obtained evidence using a video camera attached to police headgear and took pictures of the inside of the house.

And Sgt McFadzean added: “We had concerns because there are a number of student properties in the area and there were reports some of the young women students were getting approached by men.”

Robert Walker, who runs nearby Great Northern Street Motors, said he had spoken to prostitutes on the street before about his concerns for his business.

He said: “We could talk to them and they eventually accepted what we were saying and said they were sorry.

“But then this eastern European lass turned up and was totally unreasonable.”

He said the brothel had been operating for about three or four months.

“It’s every day, round-the-clock,” he added.

“In my view, there are lots of empty pubs in the town centre – why not put them in one of them, legalise it and then you can monitor it and make sure it’s done safely.”

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I spoke to a couple of girls. They had a baby.

“You wouldn’t believe how busy it gets. There are always men going in and out.

“I always think about the girls in this situation – they are somebody’s daughter.

“I don’t like what they do, but if ever they were outside I’d ask them not to and they would move on.

“Personally I think we should name and shame the men who go to these places.”