Drugs raids in Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Crook and Sherburn

In a series of coordinated strikes, officers descended on properties in Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Crook and Sherburn shortly after 7am this morning (March 20).

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "A quantity of suspected class A drugs and weapons were taken off the streets. Cash and two vehicles were also seized as part of the investigation.

"Around 50 armed and unarmed officers were involved in the activity as well as search officers, detection dogs and their handlers and specialist teams from the National Crime Agency and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit."

A total of 11 people were arrested during the operation. They included five men, aged between 31 and 26, and two women, aged 28 and 21, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson.

Three boys, aged 17, 15 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson and theft.

A woman in her forties was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

All 11 remain in police custody.

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Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland said: “Organised crime has no place in our communities. I would like to reassure residents that we will continue to take robust action to dismantle, disrupt and destroy this type of activity.

“Officers and PCSOs will be in the affected streets for some time and neighbours are encouraged to speak to them and ask questions or raise any concerns they have.”

Anyone with information on potential criminal activity in their area should call 101.