A Dagenham family faced repeated vandalism and threats after a brothel opened upstairs, sparking a turf war between rival gangs, police say
Family Awoken by Violent Turf War in Dagenham
A family of four was sleeping soundly in their suburban home when they were startled awake by a loud crash and the sounds of men in their front garden. They soon realized they were caught in a terrifying “turf war” after a brothel opened in the flat above them.
The house in Dagenham was attacked by a rival gang in an apparent sex work turf war. CCTV footage captured a group of men attacking the house and throwing paint on it. A hammer was left embedded in the glass after the attack.
Details of the Attacks
| Date | Incident |
|---|---|
| September 29 | First attack with black oil thrown |
| October 9 | Second attack with red paint thrown |
| October 18 | Windows smashed with a hammer |
Four masked men threatened the family inside the house. The family, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that police informed them they were caught in a turf war between two rival brothels. Up to 30 men were seen coming and going from the £200,000 flat daily.
The mother described her fear as men smashed her windows in the middle of the night. She said, “I woke up when I heard a loud bang. It was so scary.” Her youngest son, aged 6, cried during the chaos.
Community Impact
Residents noticed the brothel’s activity and the vandalism that followed. One neighbor, a bus driver, reported seeing up to 30 men visiting the brothel daily. He believed the rival gang vandalized nearby properties to provoke complaints and force authorities to shut down the brothel.
After the third attack, the brothel was closed, but the family still faced the aftermath of the vandalism. The mother stated, “It’s still horrible to look at as the paint is still there.”
Official Responses
Barking and Dagenham Council issued a closure order for the property, prohibiting entry until January 29, 2026. Councillor Syed Ghani stated, “This closure sends a clear message that we will not tolerate properties being used for criminal activities.”
The Met Police confirmed they supported the council in serving the closure order and had previously arrested a 28-year-old for immigration offenses related to the brothel.
