A brothel was operating just yards from a Maidstone primary school and nursery.

Police raided the house in Stagshaw Close, Maidstone following complaints from residents it was being used in connection with prostitution.

Two women were arrested on suspicion of running the business, while five other women were arrested for the same offence at a property in Lower Boxley Road the same day.

Officers served a closure notice and, following a case at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court last Friday, a closure order was granted.

It is the first time in Kent such an order has been granted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Now anyone apart from the owner who accesses the property in the next three months faces a fine or up to a year in prison.

Sgt Nick Hatcher, of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit, said: "This shows the effectiveness of neighbourhood engagement.

"Residents reported an issue to both the police and the local council and we have taken appropriate action.

"A closure order is not sought lightly but in this case the problems reported by the community were sufficient to justify this course of action.

"The closure will prevent anyone other than the owner entering the property for a period of three months.

'We will continue to actively work with partners to pursue orders on other properties if they are associated with on-going incidents connected to sexual offences, anti-social behaviour or drug activity.

"My message to the residents of Maidstone is simple; if you have concerns about an address where anti-social behaviour or criminal activity is happening please phone us."

All those arrested have now been released while the investigation continues.