A CHAINSAW was used so officers could cut their way into a reinforced door before seizing drugs and a suspected stolen motorbike.

Police executed a search warrant on the property in the Byker Wall area of Newcastle this morning in response to concerns from the local community about drug dealing.

There were also concerns that the occupants could be involved in motorcycle crime being investigated by Northumbria Police's Operation Benelli team.

Due to intelligence about a reinforced door, specialist officers from the Force's Firearms Support Unit (FSU) were on hand to use a chainsaw to gain entry to the property.

Once inside, officers seized a small quantity of drugs and a suspected stolen motorcycle that was parked outside the property on Cheviot Mount.

Nobody has been arrested but the Neighbourhood Inspector who oversaw the activity has warned that they will continue to use the tactics to disrupt suspected organised crime.

Inspector Dan Whyte said: "We were able to secure a warrant on the property because of information we received from the public.

"They were concerned about activity at this premises and there was enough there for us to be able to carry out a raid of the address to secure evidence.

"We knew it was a reinforced door and have highly trained officers in the FSU who decided using a chainsaw was the quickest way for us to safely gain entry to the address.

"It was a rude awakening for the occupants but as a result of these warrants we have seized vital evidence and also secured a suspected stolen motorcycle.

"Our enquiries will continue in the coming days and weeks but we hope this activity reassures the community and shows we will respond robustly when you tell us about suspected criminal activity."

Anyone with information about suspected drug dealing is asked to contact police on 101 or report it anonymously by calling independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.