POLICE have praised members of the public whose help led them to suspected drugs dealers.

Four people were arrested yesterday morning in a police operation targeting areas of east Durham as a result of information passed to officers.

A warrant to search a privately-rented terraced house in Frederick Street, Seaham, was executed at 8.30am when a police team, plus officers from the local community beat unit in Seaham forced their way into the premises.

Three men and one woman were arrested in connection to the supply of controlled drugs and taken into custody at Peterlee police station.

The four, aged between 18 and 26, were last night being questioned.

Several wraps of what is believed to be heroin were recovered from the house, along with drug-related items and mobile phones.

Inspector Gary Fraser, of Peterlee police, confirmed the raid was carried out following information passed to the police from local people and thanked them for their help.

"We always respond to concerns from the community and we anticipate carrying out further operations along these lines in the near future," he said. "We would encourage everyone to help us with information, which in turn will help rid communities of drugs and other anti-social activities."