A MAN has been charged with producing class A drugs after police swooped on a house in Birkenhead.

They found suspected ecstasy tablets and shotgun cartridges during a search of the property in Clifton Road in the early hours of Saturday.

Patrick McCool, 54, from Tranmere was arrested and charged with production of Class A drugs.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, March 6.

A 48-year-old woman also from Tranmere was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, but has now been released pending further enquiries.

A police spokeswoman said: “Detectives executed a warrant at a house on Clifton Road in the early hours of Saturday resulting in the discovery of suspected ecstasy tablets and equipment.

“Shotgun cartridges have also been found and recovered for further forensic enquiries.”

There is a cordon around the house while forensic enquiries are carried out.