TWO people have been arrested tonight on suspicion of arranging for people to be brought into Britain for the sex trade.

The Athena Guest House in Cowley Road was raided by officers at about 8pm after they received information about what police are terming "the possible exploitation of women".

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of intentionally arranging or facilitating entry into the UK of a person with a view to engaging in sexual exploitation. A woman has also been arrested on suspicion of intentionally arranging or facilitating entry into the UK of a person with a view to engaging in sexual exploitation.

Sergeant Neil Applegarth, from the East Oxford Neighbourhood Team, said: “Officers attended the guest house at 8pm tonight after receiving some information relating to the possible exploitation of women.

“We are in the very early stages of this investigation."

About 20 officers were involved in tonight's raid.

Images released by Thames Valley Police show officers searching the guest house for evidence.

Anyone with any information about the raid or the Athena Guest House is asked to call the Oxford Mail newsdesk on (01865) 425500.

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