Two women have been arrested at an address in St Albans on suspicion of managing a brothel as part of a police crackdown on human trafficking.

A 61-year-old woman from St Albans and a 41-year-old woman from Peckham were arrested after a warrant was carried out by Herts Police at St Paul’s Place at the end of September. The pair have been released on bail until November 28.

Another police raid in connection with Operation Eagle, a national Association of Chief Police Officers campaign against human trafficking and slavery, also took place on October 10 in Verulam Road.

No arrests were made and police enquiries are on-going.

Detective Inspector Steve Keating of Hertfordshire’s Economic Crime Unit said: “Human trafficking is a vile crime that results in humans being exploited for the benefit of others.

“Operation Eagle is being launched to raise awareness of human trafficking and the type of activity that could be related to organised criminal gangs.

“These gangs are often connected to premises which are used for activities such as brothels, car washes and cannabis factories where exploited people are forced or coerced to work in degrading, appalling and illegal conditions.”

He added: “We would ask the public to be on the alert and to report any kind of suspicious activity to police by calling the non-emergency number 101 or by ringing Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“In an emergency, if a crime is in progress, always ring 999.”