POLICE have arrested five people in dawn raids and seized a neglected tarantula as part of a crackdown on drug use and anti-social behaviour in Newcastle.

Operation Murus was launched this week after reports from local residents in Byker that needles, syringes and drug paraphernalia were being dumped in their community.

They reported to police that the materials were found in alleys, gardens and playing fields with drug users specifically travelling to the area to take drugs.

In recent weeks officers in Newcastle East Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working with Newcastle City Council to gather intelligence on those involved.

And this week, five people were arrested after police launched a series of dawn raids in the Byker Wall area of Newcastle.

Following the warrants, an estimated £3,000 worth of heroin was seized along with a large quantity of Spice, some cannabis plants and £1,000 in cash.

Officers even supported the city council in the seizure of a neglected dog and pet tarantula from one property in conjunction with the RSPCA.

Neighbourhood Inspector Kirsty Smith, of Newcastle East NPT, said: "We received a number of complaints about drug use and the littering of paraphernalia in the Byker area and needed to act.

"This has caused huge amount of distress to local residents and families in the area and poses a real danger to public safety.

"We have worked closely with the local authority to identify the individuals involved in the drug use so that we can tackle those involved in its supply.

"By tackling those individuals we can have a real impact on the littering of needles and syringes as well as clamping down on begging and homelessness in the area.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “This action taken by Northumbria Police demonstrates the force’s commitment to keeping people safe and proactively targeting those dealing and taking drugs within our neighbourhoods.

Some of the areas most affected by the drug use include Whickham Gardens, Hoults Yard, St Lawrence Park near to the children's play area and the stairwell of Shipley Walk.

It is believed many of those taking the drugs were homeless and had travelled from Sunderland, Wallsend, Gateshead and Newcastle City Centre.