Villagers are shocked and bemused that woman being investigated over a brothel could be living in their midst.

They were almost unaware that police had raided a house in the quiet community of Milton-under-Wychwood on Wednesday evening and arrested a 36-year-old woman.

A large quantity of cash, believed to be around £7,000, as well as some cannabis, a computer, and documents were taken away by officers, police spokesman Toby Shergold said. The woman, who has not been named, was arrested for suspicion of managing a brothel in Oxford, and later released on police bail.

The operation followed events a few hours earlier on Wednesday when officers smashed their way into a house in Middle Way, Summertown, Oxford, following complaints from neighbours.

At The Quart Pot pub in Milton today landlord David Philpott said: "There seemed to be lots of flashing blue lights. I've only been here seven months but to think there might be a brothel keeper in the village seems amazing.

"I'm sure it'll be a talking point."