SIX people arrested as part of early morning raids tackling suspected organised crime have been bailed.

Police targeted four homes in Bishop Auckland and another one in Brandon, County Durham, on Thursday (April 3).

Five men, aged 26, 31, 35, 37 and 48, and a 57-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including animal cruelty, driving offences and bigamy. They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Another man, aged 38, of Toronto, Bishop Auckland, has been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently obtaining a driving licence.

A total of nine horses, ten dogs, three frozen hares, a number of wild birds and ferrets and a dead horse were seized by officers during the raids.

A suspected stolen caravan was also seized, along with a trailer and another vehicle.

Anyone with information on organised crime gangs should call Durham Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.