'Dangerous' weapons seized as police close former West Midlands brothel

Weapons have been seized and a former Birmingham brothel has been closed following a police operation targeting organised crime and exploitation in the city.

Officers from West Midlands Police carried out enforcement action at a property that had previously been linked to sex work, resulting in the recovery of several weapons and the closure of the premises. The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activity connected to exploitation and organised crime across Birmingham.

They visited the premises on Station Street where a brothel had previously been closed. Officers found the former brothel rooms had been turned into a form of accommodation, while the snooker club underneath was also found to have been turned into a ‘bedroom’.

After a search of the premises, officers also found several realistic-looking air weapons, which were made safe and seized.

Because of the condition of the property and the concerns raised by officers, West Midlands Fire Service were called, and an indefinite prohibition order has been served on the premises which includes a restaurant, snooker hall, and levels below. The building will remain closed until it can meet the necessary safety standards.

PC George Anstey, from SOCEX, said: “We regularly carry out proactive operations where we visit premises across Birmingham – ultimately to ensure the safety of the public, and to safeguard any vulnerable people who are there.

“This is often based on information we receive from the community and can include working in partnership with immigration, local authority, and fire service colleagues as well as officers from across West Midlands Police.

“This operation has seen several potentially dangerous weapons taken off the streets, and a building completely closed because of the state it was in.

“We’ll continue our work to protect vulnerable people and keep the public safe.”