It indicates a change of policy from last November, when the PSNI advised officers that those caught purchasing sex should be cautioned rather than prosecuted.

A spokesperson said that was “to allow time for an understanding and awareness of the new legislation to take effect across the community”.

However, it appears that grace period has come to an end.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, from Serious Crime Branch, told the Belfast News Letter: “In relation to paying for sexual services, there have been six arrests while five other suspects who were not arrested had reports about them sent to PPS.

“Of those suspects who were arrested, one was released unconditionally and five were reported to PPS.”

The Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act 2015, which criminalised the purchase of sex in Northern Ireland, has proved controversial.

An application for judicial review of the legislation will be heard at a leave hearing later this year.