A MASSAGE parlour in Somerset has been closed down after police claimed it was operating a a brothel.

A closure order has been slapped on Butterfly's, in Weston-super-Mare, under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Officers raided the premises in Alexandra Parade last month after obtaining a warrant.

The closure order was granted at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday) and the premises will now be closed for three months.

The order means no-one is allowed to enter the premises until March at the earliest.

There was no-one in court representing Butterfly’s and the order was not contested.

DS Mark Probert said: “We’re pleased the court agreed with us that this premises should be shut for three months, which is the maximum amount of time we can apply for.

“This is an important stage of our investigation into Butterfly’s and a criminal inquiry is still very much under way.

“Our anti-social behaviour officers helped compile the closure order application, which included evidence of prostitution taking place at this premises within the last three months.

“We hope today’s positive result shows we remain committed to protecting the vulnerable and exploited and will take action whenever we have the evidence to do so.”

If anyone has information that could help the police investigation, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5217262241.