A MAN has been arrested after dozens of tablets, suspected to be Valium, were seized during a police raid in Darlington.

The 31-year-old was also held on suspicion of stealing two mountain bikes.

The bikes, and about 50 tablets, were recovered during the raid on a house in Salisbury Terrace, in the Denes area, at 8am on Tuesday.

Sergeant Owen Turnbull said: "We obtained a warrant following concerns about the growing use of Valium in and around Darlington.

"It is normally in the shape of small blue tablets, known by users as blueys.

"If any local residents have concerns or information about any type of drug dealing, I would urge them to contact the police or get in touch anonymously through Crimestoppers."

The man has been released on bail pending analysis of the tablets.

To contact police, call 0845-6060365, for Crimestoppers call 0800-555-111.