British police investigate brothel on doorstep of cathedral

LONDON (AFP) - Setting up a brothel requires a certain disregard for the law in Britain but to establish one on the very doorstep of the Church of England's spiritual home shows a particular cheek.

Police said on Thursday they were investigating complaints that an apartment all of 100 metres (yards) from Canterbury Cathedral had been turned into a brothel.

"We are investigating and we will work with the landlord to try to sort this matter out," a Kent Police spokesman said.

Canterbury Cathedral, much of which was constructed in the 12th century, is the base of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican church.

Neighbours complained to police after seeing suspicious movements at the apartment and a red light illuminating it at night.

"I think it's a bit strange that they have decided to set up here. This is a quiet area and it's so close to the cathedral," one local said.