SIX people have been arrested by police after dawn raids were conducted across Warrington.

Earlier today, Wednesday, officers from Cheshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit, supported by other officers from across the force, executed drug warrants at seven addresses in the town.

These were on Birtles Road in Orford, Fairclough Street in Burtonwood, Thelwall Lane in Latchford, Myddleton Lane in Winwick, Hume Street in Fairfield, Watkin Street in Orford, and Sandfield Crescent in Glazebury.

Further searches were conducted at addresses on Picow Farm Road in Runcorn and Rainhill Road in Rainhill.

The raids are connected to an investigation into the supply of illegal drugs and firearms offences.

Six men were arrested during the raids, and they are all currently being questioned in police custody.

They were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, as well as firearms offences. Searches are currently ongoing.

The arrests follow an investigation by detectives into an organised crime group, believed to have been supplying cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis across the town.

Following the raids, DI Robert Balfour said: “Today’s arrests follow a lengthy investigation into those believed to be in drug supply offences.

“For the past 10 months, our officers have been meticulously gathering evidence and intelligence concerning class A and B drugs being supplied in Warrington.

“Thanks to their work, we have now arrested six people and the investigation continues.

“Today’s operation will undoubtedly play a crucial role in disrupting serious and organised crime, and it sends out a very clear message that the supply of drugs will not be tolerated.

“I also hope that it reassures communities that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle this type of criminality.”

DCI Nick Henderson added: “Illegal drugs have a devastating impact on our communities.

“Although we do extensive work with our partners to break the cycle of serious and organised crime, we cannot achieve this alone.

“We need the public to be our eyes and ears, and to come forward with information regarding drug dealing in their communities.

“Your support is crucial in the ongoing fight against drug dealing and all other forms of serious and organised crime.

“Together we can help to keep vulnerable people and our communities safe.

“If you have any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in our town, please get in touch.

“You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”

To report drug activity in your area, call 101, or 999 in an emergency, or visit cheshire.police.uk

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.