POLICE arrested four people when they raided a suspected brothel.

Officers swooped on the World Famous Babes of Bury massage parlour, in Bell Lane, Bury, at 1pm yesterday.

A detective posing as a customer went into the parlour using the back door, before police officers raided the building.

They found three bedrooms inside, each containing a shower and condoms.

Four women were arrested on suspicion of managing or keeping a brothel.

One of the women, aged in her late 40s, was working as a receptionist and the other women, all aged in their early 20s, were believed to be prostitutes.

They were taken to Bury police station for questioning, along with a male customer who was helping police with their inquiries.

The business was being advertised as a massage parlour, but an investigation into the activities there was launched after concerns from local residents and business owners.

The building was previously the Golden Fleece pub and is on a busy main road, close to houses and businesses as well as the Qadria Jallania Islamic Centre and Jamia Mosque.

Police recently raided another massage parlour, the World Famous Babes of Salford, in Swinton, which is believed to be owned by the same person.

As part of their investigation into both businesses, police officers are looking into links with organised crime.

Insp Charlotte Cadden said: “By carrying out this operation, we are reacting directly to concerns expressed by local residents and businesses.

“This will show residents that we take their concerns seriously, and will act upon any information given to us regarding criminal activity in the Bury East area. It should also serve as a warning to anyone else engaging in activities that have a detrimental effect on the lives of local people that it will not be tolerated.”

● The maximum penalty for someone found guilty of keeping a brothel is seven years in prison.