TWO Wirral men were among nine arrested on suspicion of a range of offences in dawn raids across Merseyside in a campaign targeting anti-social use of motorbikes.

A 38-year-old man from Poulton was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs and abstracting electricity after police searched a house in May Avenue, Wallasey.

An 18-year-old man from Moreton was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle after an off-road bike was found at an address in Lindale Close.

Police also uncovered a cannabis farm, £9,000 cash, controlled drugs and suspected stolen items, including high-value watches, a drone and an industrial tool known as a 'concrete wacker' during raids at addresses in Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, Liverpool and St Helens. 

All of those arrested have been taken to police stations where they will be questioned by detectives.

During the operation, a cannabis farm worth approximately £300,000 was discovered at an address in Oakhouse Park, Walton, including the recovery of around 65 plants worth around £260,000 and a further quantity of dried cannabis worth an estimated £30,000. 

It followed an investigation into incidents in October and November where numerous calls were made to emergency services reporting multiple motorbikes, including off-road vehicles, driving dangerously across Merseyside.

Since October, more than 150 bikes have been recovered, and numerous arrests and warrants have taken place as a response.

Also arrested was a 22-year-old man from Kirkby, on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, possession of cannabis.

A 20-year-old man from Fazakerley was arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

A 31-year old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of theft, theft shop, burglary, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and handling stolen goods.

A 25-year-old man from Ecclestone was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance, disqualified driving and possession of cannabis.

A 27-year-old woman, also from Eccleston was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property.

A 25-year-old man from West Derby was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance after a warrant was executed in Sandy Grove.

Following the arrests, leaflets were distributed to local residents to encourage more information on where bikes are being stored, and to show the successes so far.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Rhodes, who is leading the investigation, said: "This arrest day is another successful step forward in our investigations.

"I would like to thank the members of our communities who have provided information so far, as this is vital in taking such positive action and ultimately bringing offenders to justice.

"Individuals and groups of riders who take to the roads in an criminal, reckless and anti-social manner show a complete disregard for public safety and will never be tolerated by Merseyside Police and our partners.

"We know how strongly that members of our communities feel about these incidents and will continue to take positive action to seize those bikes we believe are being used illegally on our roads, and deal with associated criminality.

"This is a long-running and complex investigation into numerous reports, including CCTV footage and images, and I would like to thank people who have assisted.

"Action is constantly being taken behind the scenes in relation to these incidents, and we appreciate people's patience as we thoroughly investigate each one.

"Incidents on our roads continue to show the very real dangers to pedestrians, officers, riders and other road users.

"We are determined to make our roads safer through all our available powers, and the continued response we have seen today is once again thanks to information provided by our community.

"I would urge anyone with information which enables us take these bikes out of circulation and make our streets safer to keep coming forward."

Anyone with information on who is using these bikes and where they are being stored is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.