TV star has mansion raided in rape and human trafficking probe

An Essex football club and mansion have been searched amid an investigation into accusations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and rape.

Officers were seen at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium, home to Maldon and Tiptree FC, in Essex last night.

The mansion of reality star Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, who made headlines in 1999 when he welcomed a child with his ex-husband through a surrogate mother, was also searched.

Drewitt-Barlow and his ex-husband were one of the first gay couples in the UK to have a child through a surrogate.

Essex Police confirmed two men, aged 57 and 32, have been arrested on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a noxious substance.

The men arrested remain in custody, where they are being questioned by detectives.

Essex Police said in a statement: ‘Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have today carried out coordinated searches of premises in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree as part of their investigation.

‘Searches remain ongoing at all of the locations. Two men from Danbury have also been arrested. A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation and administering a noxious substance.

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

The non-league football team’s grounds had been due to serve as a polling station for local elections today.

But Doug Wilkinson, deputy returning officer for Maldon District Council, confirmed voters would have to go elsewhere.

He said: ‘In light of an ongoing police investigation, I have made the decision to relocate the Polling Station from The Drewitt-Barlow Stadium to Blackwater Leisure center.’

Drewitt-Barlow and his ex-husband together are worth around £40million and have homes in Danbury, Essex, and the US.

Drewitt-Barlow is CEO of the British Surrogacy center of America, which he launched in 2000 and which offers surrogacy services in multiple countries.

After the twins arrived, the couple had another three children.