Police have served a formal warning on a suspected brothel.

The property in Headstone Road in Harrow was issued with a letter in May this year after police and the council were made aware of the issue.

The warning ordered those responsible to stop and leave the premises if it was being used for prostitution.

One person living close to the property in Headstone Road said neighbours had started taking batteries out of their doorbells because “punters were ringing on their doors”.

The resident, who did not want to be named, said: “At the beginning of April we noticed new neighbours had moved in and over the following weeks we saw numerous men going in and out.

“At first, we thought they were friends then the penny dropped.

“With the entrance behind a gate and customers not knowing, they constantly turn up and ring on the wrong doorbell, banging on the windows of the neighbouring flats and parking cars in restricted areas.

“This sort of thing goes on until the early hours of the morning, especially at weekends. Most neighbours have taken batteries from their doorbells to cut down on one problem.”

The resident received an email from Harrow Council confirming police had visited the property and that they had served a “formal notice on those working within”.

Harrow Council said police would continue to work with their anti-social behaviour and residential licensing team on the matter.

A spokesperson for Harrow police, said: “The Neighbourhood Police Team sergeant for that area has visited the premises and made enquiries.

“It has been confirmed that no human trafficking offences have been committed, or vulnerable victims present. We are working closely with the council and the landlord to resolve this issue.

“As with all offences, until proven otherwise, it is suspected.”

Harrow Police added when visiting suspected brothels their “initial objective” was to determine the welfare of those present.

Harrow West MP, Gareth Thomas, said: “I have been in contact with the police on this matter. They have informed me that they are aware of the suspicions of the said property being used as brothel and that they have been planning to investigate.

“Due to cuts to police resources from this Conservative Government this has not yet happened. I will continue to put pressure on the Police to take action on crime in Harrow. I will continue to champion further funding to our vital frontline services in Harrow”

A spokesperson for Harrow Council said: “We’re investigating the property as a suspected unlicensed house in multiple occupation.”

Anyone concerned about this matter can contact the Harrow Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant, James Urwin via James.Urwin@met.police.uk