TWO women have been questioned by police following the raid on the second of two suspected brothels.

Officers swooped at Bunty’s in 6 Victoria Road, Newton-le-Willows, as revealed on last week’s Star.

Police were using new legislation to crack down on alleged prostitution rackets across St Helens that officers suspect are generating tens of thousands of pounds.

It is understood that following the raids they pursued a trail to establish the property’s ownership, which subsequently led to them questioning two women from Manchester, both in their 50s.

The property, which appears to be a disused house, falls within a residential estate and police action has been prompted by “community concerns”.

At St Helens Magistrates’ Court, police secured a temporary closure orders on Bunty’s and a suspected vice den at the D2 property, on the Eastside Industrial Estate on Jackson Street, which they had raided the previous day.

A further hearing will take place where a district judge will determine whether they will remain shut down.

It is understood women who were inside the properties during the police raids are not from St Helens.

It is believed they had travelled there from other towns and cities across the north west.