Police have raided a suspected brothel in Derry.
The operation centred around a house at Argyle Street (pictured) in the Rosemount area of the city on Tuesday afternoon.
It is understood PSNI officers entered the house shortly after noon.
The search operation lasted several hours and it is understood a number of items were removed from the property.
It is also believed immigration officers were also involved.
Police would only say a search was in connection with ‘serious crime’ and did not comment on suggestions the house was being used as a brothel.
Local people, however, believe the property has been used for the sale of sex for some time.
Darren O’Reilly, a councillor for the area, said there was concern at the development.
“It is obviously shocking and upsetting for local people that this type of activity could be taking place within their area,” he said.
“There would also be concern for women caught up in this activity, who are often the victims of people-trafficking.
“I hope that the proper support is in place for these women.”
The Argyle Street area and surrounding streets are home to many students from the nearby Ulster University and North West Regional College.
Cllr O’Reilly said the ‘transient’ nature of the area was probably what made it attractive to those in the sex trade.
He added: “There are a lot of short-term house lets in this area and there is a lot of people coming and going.
“So new people coming into the area do not really stand out and this would obviously help someone looking to see up this kind of operation.”
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