POLICE arrested 12 people and seized drugs and weapons in a series of raids on houses in Ferryhill.

Officers executed 11 search warrants last week in Dean Bank after residents raised concerns about drug dealing.

They recovered heroin, amphetamine and cannabis, weapons including an air rifle and knuckle duster, and stolen property.

Eight of those arrested have been charged with firearms, violence, drugs or theft-related offences and two have been remanded in custody. The others remain on police bail.

Inspector Adrian Green, community inspector for the area, said: "We are committed to targeting the small minority of people who are responsible for causing misery to the local community of Ferryhill.

"Criminals need to realise that there are hundreds of eyes watching them and I will act on any information local residents can give me.

"This is yet another example of the local community helping themselves by helping the police."

The crackdown was part of an ongoing initiative to target crime and anti-social behaviour in the Dean Bank area.

Sedgefield Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is leading Operation Aykersgreen, which also includes environmental improvements and home and community safety initiatives.

Insp Green urged anyone with details about criminal activity to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.