Booking.com suspends brothel operating near Oxford University

Police are investigating a pop-up brothel which has opened up near the University of Oxford’s historic St Hugh’s College.

The college, which was attended by former prime minister Theresa May, has been neighbours with a seedy brothel which was hiding in plain sight on the holiday website Booking.com.

READ MORE: Oxford MP condemns plans to re-open 'cruel' migrant centre

The nearby ground floor flat was listed as a normal holiday let online and the Mirror discovered four women were working from there, with their services advertised on an adult website.

Booking.com have confirmed to the Oxford Mail that “in this specific case” they have “suspended the property” whilst they “investigate further”.

The Mirror reported that the brothel’s clients are sent a crude “menu” of sexual services and clients can be charged as much as £130 an hour.

The brothel is also close by to a number of primary schools and high schools in the area, including Saint Aloysius Catholic Primary School, Wychwood independent school and Oxford High Preparatory School.

READ MORE: Business owner says councillor has 'no respect for truth'

Paying for sex in England is legal, as long as the person paid is over 18 and gives consent.

However, the sentence for running a brothel is up to seven years in jail and fines of as much as £5,000.

Theresa May attended St Hugh's College

A Thames Valley Police spokesman told the Oxford Mail: “Thames Valley Police can confirm they have received an online report and it will be allocated in due course.”

In September 2022, following a freedom of information request, it was confirmed that 16 people had been arrested in the past two years for offences relating to the illegal sex industry in the Thames Valley region.

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO ED'S WEEKLY POLITICS NEWSLETTER FOR FREE

Sign up to Ed Halford's free weekly Politics newsletter here (Image: Newsquest)

On St Hugh’s College website, it says: “We take the health and welfare of all our members very seriously, and there are a series of both formal and informal structures that can help support you if things are proving difficult.”

The college website also highlights the college has nurses and doctors who are available to students “who may need to discuss sexual health issues”.

Oxford University was approached for comment but confirmed they were “declining to comment”.

Other famous alumni of the college include the Baroness Morgan of Cotes, the British and Lebanese barrister Amal Clooney and the now deceased Labour politician Barbara Castle.

A Booking.com spokesman added: “As part of our mission at Booking.com to connect travellers from a diverse range of backgrounds with their ideal stay, the safety and security of our customers and accommodation partners is a top priority.

“In the exceptionally rare instance that we are made aware of potential criminal activity, either on the part of an accommodation provider or a customer, we always cooperate fully with local law enforcement.

"And if found to be participating in any illegal activity, they will be blocked from making further reservations or doing business on our platform."