WHEN 150 police officers across five areas carry out early morning raids then you know that something serious is taking place.

It was alarming to see that police seized weapons, including submachines guns and ammunition, during yesterday’s joint Operation Zephyr which took place across Cleveland, north, west and south Yorkshire, Northumbria and Durham force areas.

But we welcome this very visible demonstration by police that they are taking seriously the ongoing Gipsy feud which has stirred up strong emotions in both the travelling and settled communities.

The message was clear that no one should consider themselves beyond the law.

It was also pleasing to note that the Durham Constabulary-led operation, which was observed by Echo reporters, was conducted in a low key manner. Tensions are already running high and police were clearly keen to avoid escalating what is an extremely sensitive situation.

The feud has resulted stolen lorries being rammed into two homes in the Darlington area, a petrol bomb attack on a third house, and fears among local people that they will become caught up in the escalating dispute.

The sickening act of desecration that saw two skulls taken from the graves of a traveller family at Metal Bridge, near Ferryhill prompted police to take a direct approach.

We urge local people to come forward and do whatever they can to help police find the missing skulls and bring the feud to a stop.

We hope that this week’s police operations will help to bring a peaceful end to this disturbing series of events.

If you know anything at all call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.