Weapons have been found at a former brothel in Birmingham city centre, which had been previously closed down, with immigration arrests made.
Police Raid in Station Street
Officers from West Midlands Police’s Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation Team raided the premises in Station Street, in the shadow of Birmingham New Street Station on Wednesday (June 10). The premises had previously been operating as a brothel, close to the iconic Electric Cinema, and was shut down in autumn 2022.
It had then reopened as Resthouse Massage, and that too was found to be an illegal sex establishment and was closed down in August 2023.
Makeshift Accommodation Discovered
This week police 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. Officers searched the premises and found several realistic-looking air weapons, which were made safe and seized.
A man and woman in their 40s were also arrested on suspicion of immigration matters.
Building Closed Due to Safety Concerns
Due to the state of the building and police concerns, West Midlands Fire Service was called and an indefinite prohibition order has been served on the premises which includes a restaurant, snooker hall, and levels below. The building will now be closed off 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.”
A West Midlands force spokesperson added: “If you’ve got concerns about a premises or suspicious activity in your area, call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website.”
