Barrie Drewitt-Barlow's Danbury home raided by police

Raids were conducted in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree on Wednesday and Thursday by officers at Essex Police.

One of the properties in Danbury reportedly belongs to entrepreneur, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow who has recently purchased Maldon and Tiptree Football Club.

Entry - officers are understood to have kicked down a fence to gain entry to the property (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

A 57-year-old man and a 32-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a noxious substance.

Both remain in custody while the investigation continues.

Four Essex Police cars and at least two police vans are in attendance at the property, along with on-foot police officers and forensic team members.

Police dogs can also be heard behind the property’s fence, which appears to have been forced through with police tape now in place.

A police presence was also noted at Maldon and Tiptree FC’s stadium.

Allegations - police said there is an ongoing investigation into human trafficking (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "Detectives leading an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences have today, Wednesday 6 May, made two arrests and carried out a series of warrants.

"Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have today carried out co-ordinated searches of premises in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree as part of their investigation.

"Searches remain ongoing at all of the locations."

As of now, no charges have been brought forward.