POLICE have arrested seven people after an early morning drug raid at a North East lap dancing club.

Durham Constabulary raided the Red Velvet club, in Consett, in the early hours of today (Saturday, December 15) following a tip-off.

The police were acting on information supplied by local residents about the Front Street club.

Seven people were arrested on suspicion of drug related offences. They are being held at Durham City Police Station.

Inspector Colin Dobson said: “Dealing drugs is a serious offence and drug use is an enormous problem for the community.

“When this is combined with alcohol the problem magnifies.

“We have listened to the community concerns about Red Velvet and we want to send a clear message that any criminal activity on licensed premises will be dealt with robustly.”

Red Velvet is the only licensed County Durham lap dancing club and it gained its license in April of this year.

Durham Constabulary is to begin proceedings to have the licence revoked on Monday. (December 17) The police also closed another premises during the operation. The police would not release any further details about these premises.