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Two men have appeared in court charged under the modern slavery act over the alleged running of eight brothels.

Meyrick Bramhill-Purchase, 63, pleaded not guilty and Mo Quan Zhou, 44, made no plea, during a hearing before Derby magistrates.

The charges relate to the operation of eight suspected brothels in Chesterfield, Derby, and Lincoln between May 2015 and May 2017.

The men were remanded in custody and are due at Derby Crown Court on 9 June.

Mr Bramhill-Purchase, of Muntjac Way, Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire, and Mr Zhou of London Road, Derby were charged with controlling prostitution for gain, causing/inciting prostitution for gain, and human trafficking - arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The men were arrested after an investigation by Derbyshire and Lincolnshire police forces.