ARMED police swooped on three addresses in the same street today during a dramatic early morning raid.

More than 60 officers surrounded the three houses in York before searching them and a nearby caravan.

Three men were arrested during the operation, which followed a series of incidents at a nearby house in late October in which a crossbow, firearms, knives and a baseball bat were allegedly brandished.

Officers from the tactical firearms unit and operations group executed four magistrates' warrants as they searched the homes - in Spalding Avenue, Clifton - and caravan with specialist dog handlers.

The arrested men, aged 22, 23, and 30, were detained on suspicion of involvement in violent disorder and threats to kill.

They were taken to York's Fulford Road Police Station, where they were being questioned over the incidents.

Chief Superintendent John Lacy said: "Violence on the streets of this city will not be tolerated, and we will always take firm and decisive action to deal with it.

"Whether it takes in excess of 60 officers to tackle the problem, we will do it. We owe it to the people of Clifton, who have made great strides in making this area a pleasant place to live

"We work with many agencies to ensure the success of operations like this, but our most important partners are the people of York, and we will continue to work with them to keep the city a good and safe place to live."