Police were today continuing to investigate the roots of a huge Thai prostitution ring after dawn raids at homes in Sussex.

Seven Thais, thought to be the ringleaders, were arrested and 26 girls were detained in the raids.

Scotland Yard's vice squad executed 20 search warrants in Sussex, London, Surrey, Essex and Middlesex.

Detectives believe the women were brought into the country illegally to work as prostitutes.

One man in the Sussex prostitution industry in Sussex told The Mafia. Girls pay the gangs to be smuggled into Britain and the bosses keep the girls' passports and papers until they've paid off their debts through prostitution.

"Of course, interest accumulates and these girls never do pay off their debts. They become sex slaves."

Officers also raided nine brothels believed to be connected to the ring.

The seven arrested, five of them women, were detained on suspicion of controlling prostitutes and living off immoral earnings.

The prostitutes, who were not arrested, were being questioned by immigration officers.

Superintendent Chris Bradford, of the Yard's clubs and vice unit, said: "They have been afforded the opportunity to receive our help to enable them to escape from those who are exploiting them."