The residence of a football club owner slated to appear in a new reality TV program was subjected to a police raid in connection with an investigation into suspected human trafficking for sexual exploitation and assault.
Law enforcement officials, along with a forensic team, were observed at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium in Maldon, Essex, on Wednesday afternoon. The stadium, serving as a polling station for local elections, was abruptly closed during the search. Earlier, authorities entered a mansion in Danbury, Essex, where multiple police vehicles were parked.
Police, who also conducted a search at a property in Braintree, disclosed that two individuals, aged 57 and 32, are currently in custody for interrogation by detectives. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his spouse Scott Hutchison are set to star in the documentary series “Up The Jammers,” which chronicles their management of the Non-League team Maldon & Tiptree. The raids have posed a significant challenge for ITV, as the documentary is scheduled to premiere next Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Essex Police stated, “Investigators leading a probe into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, assault, and other sexual crimes have made two arrests today, Wednesday, May 6, and executed a series of warrants.”
The statement continued, “Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have conducted synchronized searches of properties in Danbury, Maldon, and Braintree as part of their inquiry. The searches are ongoing at all locations.”
“Two individuals from Danbury have also been detained. A 57-year-old man is under arrest on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a harmful substance.”
“A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a harmful substance. Both individuals are currently in custody for questioning by detectives.”
The outspoken owner of Maldon and Tiptree emphasized that the forthcoming six-part show about the club’s quest for a league victory will reveal everything transparently. MirrorOnline has reached out to ITV for a response.
The couple, multi-millionaire Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his ex-husband Tony Drewitt-Barlow, who have five children together, made headlines for being the first gay couple in the UK to have children through surrogacy. Despite their separation, they still reside together with their new partners.
Barrie expressed, “Our family is considered unconventional. I don’t care about others’ opinions. They don’t pay my bills or my kids’ bills, and they won’t be buying me a new G-Wagon next month.”
The couple gained attention last year when their eighth-tier club achieved historical success in the FA Cup, progressing from the Isthmian League North Division before being eliminated in the first round proper by League One’s Port Vale.
Detective Inspector Lydia George, in charge of the investigation, urged individuals with pertinent information to contact the authorities through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) for specialized support.
Following the raid at the club’s stadium, Doug Wilkinson, deputy returning officer at Maldon District Council, apologized to voters for the inconvenience caused by relocating the polling station to Blackwater Leisure Centre due to the ongoing police investigation.
