SIX people were arrested this morning during a series of dawn raids across Merseyside and Cheshire.

A total of seven warrants were executed at properties in Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Widnes, Winsford and Warrington.

Five men and one woman were arrested and are in custody helping police with their enquiries.

The early morning strike phase follows on from a number of dawn raids two weeks ago when 13 people were arrested and charged in connection with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Giles Pierce, who is in charge of the operation, said: “The action taken today as part of Operation Impact is a result of a eight-month long investigation focusing on one organised crime gang and a number of individuals suspected of being involved in this type of crime.

“The strike phase this morning is the result of months of hard work and evidence and intelligence gathering by a dedicated team of officers.

“It follows on from a number of warrants that were executed in the Merseyside area a few weeks ago and forms part of a wider operation.

“The action taken by officers reinforces Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to proactively targeting, disrupting and dismantling those suspected of being involved in organised crime.”

Specialist officers were used to gain entry to the properties and officers are now carrying out detailed searches of all the addresses.

Police and crime commissioner David Keane said: “The proactive approach taken by the Constabulary today is essential in providing reassurance to our communities that the issue of drugs and organised crime is being taken seriously and that residents have a police service committed to keeping them safe.

“I would like to thank all of the officers and staff involved in the operation for the dedication and commitment that they have shown and I would like to assure the people of Cheshire that this type of action will continue.”

DI Pierce added: “Information from the public is vital in the fight against drug related activity and I encourage anyone who has any information about organised crime or drug related activity in their community to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.