WESTCLIFF: New powers used to close brothel

New powers to close down brothels have been used for the first time in the UK – during a raid in Westcliff.

UK Border Agency officials, along with a team from Essex Police and Southend Council, entered the property at 494a London Road in Westcliff on Thursday afternoon (7 Oct).

One foreign national was arrested on suspicion of managing a brothel and another was detained for immigration offences.

Andy Harvey, immigration crime team, UK Border Agency told longpier.com:

“We recognise the negative impact establishments like this have on the local community and are committed to using all available powers to shut them down.

‘The action we have taken was as a direct result of local concerns. I am pleased that with today’s result, we have been able to give those people a lasting solution to the problem.”

Sheng Li Liu, a 48-year-old Chinese man, of London Road, Westcliff, appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court today charged with management of a brothel. He has been remanded in custody until 12 October for a committal hearing at the same court.

A 39-year-old woman from China, who immigration checks revealed had entered the UK illegally, is being dealt with by UK border chiefs.