AN Internet-advertised brothel was closed by police after neighbours discovered what was going on in their street.

At least four prostitutes were said to be working at the premises in Laygate, South Shields, South Tyneside, taking dozens of paying customers a week.

Police discovered the property was leased from a private landlord by a woman in Newcastle, and the brothel had been open at least a month.

Community beat manager PC Chris Warriner said: "We kept the place under surveillance as part of our normal duties, and regularly drove past when we were in the area.

"One day we just knocked on the door and spoke to two girls who were inside, and they told us straight away what was going on.

"We gave them a couple of weeks to arrange alternative accommodation, and sure enough they were gone in the time we gave them.

"We understand they have moved on elsewhere."

Neighbours said they were horrified when they realised what was going on.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I have a 12-year-old daughter, and although what goes on behind closed doors is none of my business. I don't want men like that hanging around our street. Thank God they have gone."