Seven people have been arrested this morning as part of a police operation to further disrupt serious and organised crime in Warrington and Widnes.

Officers raided nine homes following a 12-month covert investigation by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit into suspects believed to be part of an organised crime group.

The warrants were executed at addresses in Fairbrother Crescent, Jurby Court, Densham Avenue, Poole Avenue, Windermere Avenue, Warrington and Lower House Lane, Widnes.

The four men and three women aged between 21 and 58 have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine and are currently in police custody waiting to be questioned by detectives.

As part of today’s strike – codenamed Operation Tamer – a business on Lilford Street in Warrington was also searched by officers.

During this morning's raid officers seized drugs, three imitation firearms and a blank firearm.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Evans, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “This morning’s arrests are a huge and positive step to disrupt another organised crime gang operating in Warrington.

“Organised crime groups will collude together to profit from supplying large amounts of cocaine which at the same time comes with serious violence.

"Through our determination to keep protecting our community from this violence we will always seek out those involved in high sale drug supply.

“The arrests should send a warning to those who look up to these criminal gangs in that we are constantly one step ahead and Warrington is now a difficult place to go undetected.

“I hope today shows the public that we are continuing to pursue those involved in this criminality and acting on information that is provided to us.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane also joined officers on this morning’s raid.

He added: “It was great to see Cheshire’s finest in action and witness first-hand how our officers are working tirelessly to disrupt serious and organised crime in order to make our communities safer.

“This morning’s raid is just another example of how Cheshire police is protecting vulnerable people by taking drugs off our streets and eradicating serious violence.

“It should send a clear message to anyone thinking about getting involved in serious and organised crime, that they will be caught and brought to justice.”

Local officers will be patrolling the area to speak to the community and provide reassurance.

DCI Evans added: “I want to strongly encourage the public to keep providing us with information, which helps us in our continued fight to keep communities safe and disrupt organised crime.”