Eight arrests were made and thousands of pounds worth of drugs and weapons were seized in a string of raids across a number of properties yesterday.

Northumbria Police were out in force across Washington and Sunderland yesterday (May 15) carrying out eight warrants across as part of Operation Impact.

With the aim of tackling serious violence and drug offences, police rolled up to properties as part of the rolling operation which was first launched last July.

The Northern Echo: Police raids in Washington and Sunderland.Police raids in Washington and Sunderland. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Across the day, seven people were arrested on suspicion of various drug offences and another was a wanted suspect.

At one address in the Teal Farm area of Washington, officers utilised a chainsaw and swiftly broke down a door to gain access inside.

The Northern Echo: Man arrested in police raids in Washington and Sunderland.Man arrested in police raids in Washington and Sunderland. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: Police raids in Washington and Sunderland.Police raids in Washington and Sunderland. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

A search found £5,000 worth of cocaine, class B drugs, a taser, knives and drug paraphernalia and one man was arrested - emerging from the property wearing Donald Duck pyjamas.

At another address in Washington, police seized approximately £4,000 worth of amphetamine along with knives, nunchucks, sword and baton.

The Northern Echo: Police raids in Washington and Sunderland.Police raids in Washington and Sunderland. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

At another raid in Southwick, officers discovered an air weapon, three wraps of cocaine, £2,000 cash and a number of phones suspected to be associated with criminality.

"Today is all about our response to serious violence", explained Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, before officers headed out on raids.

The Northern Echo: Police raids in Washington and Sunderland.Police raids in Washington and Sunderland. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)


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"It's about bringing together the totality of resources, assets, and capabilities from across the force into Sunderland with partners to carry out warrants on people who are wanted for serious violence as well as doing some prevention work.

"It's really about also showing communities what our priorities are, we are here when they need us as we strive to be an outstanding force and show we can have a real impact.

"This is day to day business in terms of how we police in communities. This operation will be across all six areas of our force and really does aim to tackle serious violence which is a real priority for us."