AN address in Widnes was raided today, Thursday, as part of a north west drugs, firearms and money laundering probe.

Officers from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (Titan) arrested 17 people  at 19 addresses across Formby, Southport, Kirkby, Birkenhead, Walton, Banks, Tarleton, Ormskirk, Wigan, Widnes and Salford.

Eleven men and six women have been taken to police stations for questioning by detectives.

Three of those arrests are people from Widnes.

A 60-year-old man arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and conspiracy to conceal criminal property, a 49-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman have both been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. 

Detective Superintendent Jason Hudson from Titan said: "This operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment and dedication of Titan in tackling serious and organised crime across the north west.

"We appeal to anyone with any information relating to serious and organised crime in their area to contact police so we can take rigorous action against them."

Anyone with any information is asked to call their neighbourhood policing team on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.