Pub used for sex services shut down after trafficked woman found inside
A pub has been closed after police uncovered ‘significant evidence’ it was being used to offer ‘sexual services’.
The Railway on Manchester Road, in Broadheath, Altrincham, has been ordered to shut after police carried out a raid in the pub.
They said a vulnerable woman was trafficked into the borough to work at the site.
There is evidence, GMP says, the pub has been used to ‘offer sexual services for reward’.
Images show police closing the pub with a closure order notice being put on the door.
Two people have been arrested and the pub is now expected to face a premises licence review.
In a statement, a GMP Trafford spokesperson said: ‘Officers from GMP have carried out a search warrant on the Railway Pub on Manchester Road in Altrincham accompanied by colleagues from Trafford Council’s Community Safety Team.
‘Significant evidence was found on the premises indicating that the premises were being used to offer sexual services for reward and a vulnerable woman, trafficked from outside Trafford to work there was found on the premises.
‘Two persons have been arrested for crimes relating to controlling prostitution for gain and today, the magistrates issued an order on application from the council closing the premises for three months.
‘A review of the premises licence will now be requested.’
The Railway was hit by a fire in December 2020 before it reopened in July 2021 as an Irish bar. Trafford council has been approached for comment.
Magistrates’ court papers published on Wednesday morning read: ‘The Railway Inn, 153 Manchester Road, Altrincham. Application for a closure order (nuisance or disorder).
‘Application for a closure order following service of a notice on 14/02/2024 in respect of The Railway Inn. Pursuant to section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.’
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