Women are rescued from 'brothels'

Police raided seven addresses in the North East

Police believe they have rescued seven trafficked Chinese women during raids on suspected brothels.

More than 100 officers also arrested 14 men and women at seven addresses in Gateshead, Sunderland, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Darlington.

They are being held on suspicion of money laundering, immigration offences and being involved in prostitution.

Local police and the UK Border Agency and the UK Human Trafficking Centre were involved in the raids.

Det Insp George Duff of Northumbria Police, who led the operation, said: "There are a relatively small number of brothels in the North East compared to some parts of the country.

"However, the human suffering and exploitation involved in trafficking women for organised prostitution is still considerable."