POLICE have shut down a brothel operating in London’s East End, believed to be one of the first to be closed under new legislation. They had been gathering evidence over several months about the premises in Bethnal Green

By Mike Brooke

POLICE have shut down a brothel operating in London's East End, believed to be one of the first to be closed under new legislation.

They had been gathering evidence over several months about the premises in Bethnal Green which had been operating since 2005.

A Closure Order was granted by Thames magistrates under an amendment to the 2003 Sexual Offences Act which only came into force on April 1.

Sgt Steve Martin, from Whitechapel Town Centre police team, said: "We are sending a clear message that brothels will not be tolerated here and are making sure residents are not affected by nuisance addresses such as this."

The premises in Bethnal Green Road have been shut for a period of three months under the order granted last Thursday.

Police are now working with the owner of the property to evict the tenants permanently.