NINE people have been arrested in dawn raids across Merseyside in North Wales as part of a crackdown into serious and organised crime.

Merseyside Police carried out raids at 12 properties in Wirral, Liverpool and Wrexham on Thursday as part of an operation to tackle gun and drug crime.

Eight men and one woman have been arrested.

Officers have seized five firearms including two sawn-off shotguns and a submachine gun along with Class A and B drugs, cash and a stolen motorbike.

Chief inspector Paul Court said: “The action taken by officers this morning is the culmination of a 10-month operation targeting those involved in serious and organised crime in the Wavertree area.

"The investigation was put in place after members of the public raised concerns about drug dealing in their communities.

"Sadly, sometimes those involved in the supply and distribution of drugs will resort to using firearms to protect their illegal trade, or to resolve petty disputes.

He added: "I would like to reassure that the public that we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in serious and organised crime and we are committed to making our streets safer for our communities.

"No-one should have to put up with drug dealing, and the associated crime it brings.

"We will work together with our communities to improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods and make our communities stronger."

Officers have also searched several businesses linked to the nine arrested and will be accompanied by representatives from partner agencies, including Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Environmental Health and the Security Industry Authority, to make sure the businesses are not in breach of any current legislation under their jurisdiction.

Detective chief superintendent Chris Green said: “We carefully planned this initiative over several months and today's operation is testament to the Force's commitment - with the support of the public and partner agencies - to tackling gun crime in Merseyside.

"As part of this operation we have already recovered five firearms and a substantial quantity of Class A drugs.

"These arrests send out a clear message to those involved in gun crime - the use of firearms blights our communities and puts ordinary law abiding people at risk.

"We will not stand by and let these people wreak havoc and cause fear in our communities.

"I can reassure the public that we will keep up the pressure on gun crime offenders and will pursue them relentlessly and put them before the courts to make our streets safer.

"The action we have taken today has been made possible thanks to members of the public who have taken a stand and given us information and I would appeal to anyone who has information about those involved in gun crime, or where guns are being stored, to contact us.

"We will act on all information about gun crime offences to make our streets safer for our communities."

Anyone with information about serious and organised crime can call 101 or contact the social media desk @MerPolCC.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.