POLICE used a chainsaw to break through a door during a dramatic drug raid at a North-East home.

Officers acting on community intelligence swooped on a house in Park Lane, Darlington, at about 2.30pm today (Wednesday, March 4).

Two specially trained officers clad in balaclavas and helmets hacked their way through an enforced wooden door using a chainsaw and battering ram, before sending a sniffer dog in to search the property.

The raid was carried out following tip-offs about drug dealing, and cannabis warnings were issued after a quantity of the drug was found.

Inspector Caroline Dawson, of Darlington police, said she hoped the raid would show that police take a robust approach to potential drug dealing and act on the concerns of the local community.

“There is evidence of drug use at the property. We acted quickly to some community intelligence,” she added.

“We will be keeping our ears to the ground in the local neighbourhood and beat officers will be visible in the street.”

Nearby resident, Jade Richmond, watched the drama unfold from a nearby property with her mother.

The 14-year-old said: “It scared the life out of me. We thought it was some builders at first. It was a bit of a surprise.”

Insp Dawson urged anyone who suspects drug dealing in their community to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.