FIVE people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after police stopped a car that was seen being 'driven suspiciously' in Wallasey.

At around 7pm on Tuesday, a Ford Mondeo car was pulled over by police on patrol in Lathom Avenue.

During a search of the vehicle, carried out under the misuse of drugs act, police recovered a hammer, cannabis, cash, balaclava, gloves and mobile phones.

The driver, a 33-year-old man and two passengers, a 35 and a 41 year old man - all from Wirral - were arrested on suspicion of possession with Intent to Supply a Controlled Class A and B Drugs and Possession of an Offensive Weapon.

Subsequent searches were also carried out at addresses in the Poulton area, where a large quantity of white and brown powder was recovered along with the remains of a cannabis farm.

As a result a 43-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man were also arrested for drugs offences.

DCI Paul Nilsen said: "Dealing drugs in Merseyside dangerous and immoral and can lead to really serious consequences.

"Thankfully, officers were vigilant and have been able to take a large amount of suspected Class A drugs out of circulation, but I am under no illusion that there are still a large number of people carrying, dealing and taking drugs in our communities."

DCI Nilsen continued: "Drug crime alone is harmful but can also lead to people getting involved in other serious violence.

"Help us keep the Wirral as safe as it can be and tell us who is involved in these sorts of crime so we can bring them to justice."

Anyone that has details of those involved in serious crime, supplying drugs or committing criminal offences should get in touch, DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously #OpTarget