Five people have been arrested in police raids targeting people suspected of human trafficking for the sex trade.

As part of operation Pentameter 2, Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit working with local officers executed 12 warrants in west Kent on Monday.

Four people were identified as possible victims of trafficking and will be offered appropriate assistance.

Gerard Christopher Carrol, 50, of Whetsted Road, Five Oak Green has been charged with two offences of human trafficking, two offences of keeping a brothel and has been remanded in custody.

Moi Chen Chua, a 47-year-old woman, of Mercer Street, Tunbridge Wells has been charged with one offence of keeping a brothel and one offence of money laundering and has also been remanded.

Three people have been bailed pending further investigation.

DCI Robbie Graham, Kent Police's Pentameter coordinator said: "This activity has been as a result of a continuous commitment by Kent Police to ensure that those vulnerable victims exploited in this vile trade are identified, rescued and provided with appropriate support and protection.

"We will continue to target and investigate those individuals and criminal enterprises involved in exploiting people and making others lives a misery."

West Kent's Chief Inspector Tony Thomas said: "This type of organised crime is happening all over the country; it is not something that is unique to West Kent and I hope that Monday's operation shows people that agencies are joining forces to tackle the issue.

Monday’s operation was a joint venture between Kent Police, the Border and Immigration Agency, Department for Work and Pensions, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and other organizations.

Anyone who has any information regarding human trafficking or criminal gangs believed to be responsible for trafficking can contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 in confidence.