THREE teenage drug dealers who travelled to Widnes every day to sell heroin and cocaine have been jailed.

The Liverpool trio, aged 16, 18 and 19 were jailed for a total of more than 10 years at Chester Crown Court.

They preyed on vulnerable people in the local community for seven months, the court heard, taking over their homes to use as a base for their dealing.

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, received an 18 month custodial sentence for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Bradley Omar, aged 19, of Lothian Street, Liverpool, was jailed for five years for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and affray.

Khaled Muflahi, aged 18, of Mulgrave Street, Liverpool was sentenced to five years for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and affray.

Local officers received information from the local community about their illegal activity and this subsequently led to their arrest.

Speaking today, DC Neil Gordon from the Northern Dedicated Drugs Unit, said: "This has been a long and complex case that has spanned a number of months. A team of detectives has worked tirelessly throughout the investigation to bring these three young men to justice.

"Drug related activity is not acceptable and has a big impact on the lives of others. In this case, the trio was preying on the most vulnerable of people within the local community − intimidating them and threatening them with serious violence.

"Information was passed on by local people and this has been vital in ensuring the successful conclusion to this case. I would like to thank the local community for its co-operation throughout this investigation.

"I hope that the successful conclusion to this case - and the sentences imposed - will help to bring about a degree of closure for all those affected."

Sgt Ian Allen said: "The fight against drug related crime continues across Halton. Cases such as this again highlight that information from the local community is important.

"I want to reassure local residents that officers will continue to act swiftly and positively to any information that is passed on regarding drug related activity in their area.”

Anyone with information about drugs can call Cheshire Police on 101 or, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The trio was jailed on Monday, February 24.