Two men arrested on suspicion of rape and sex trafficking as police raid Maldon, Danbury and Braintree premises

A man aged 57 and a man aged 32 have been arrested on suspicion of a series of sexual offences. (Credit: Essex Police)

TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences, as part of a major Essex Police investigation.

One man aged 57 and another aged 32, both from Danbury, were arrested today (May 6). They are also suspected of administering a noxious substance.

Officers from Essex Police’s Serious Crime Directorate searched premises in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree as part of their investigation.

Searches remain ongoing at all the locations.

Both men remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives.

Detective Inspector Lydia George, who is leading the investigation, said: “If anyone has any information they feel ready to share with us, I would ask them to contact us via the Major Incident Public Portal and the investigation team will provide you with any specialist support required.”

Anyone wishing to share information via the Major Incident Public Portal should visit mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020126R89-PO1

Essex Police has also set up an incident room, which can be contacted on 0800 096 0095 or 0207 1580125 for international callers.