UPDATE: Firearm discovered in Birkdale raid (Thursday 14 April)

UPDATE: Firearm discovered in Birkdale raid (Thursday 14 April)

As part of raids on properties across Sefton this morning officers recovered a suspected firearm from a property in Birkdale.

What appears to be a long-barrelled pistol has been seized and examinations are taking place to confirm if it is a viable weapon.

A 39 year-old woman and a 46 year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and possession of a firearm.

UPDATE: A woman has been arrested this morning by officers as part of dawn raids across Sefton bringing the total number of arrests to 10.

ORIGINAL

UPDATE: Drug raids in Southport this Morning (Thursday 14 April) 

Officers from Sefton have carried out dawn raids at 13 addresses across Sefton this morning (Thursday, 14 April 2016) as part of an operation set up to tackle serious and organised crime.

Warrants were executed at addresses in Southport, Formby, Birkdale, Litherland, Bootle and Seaforth following a 12 month operation into the supply and distribution of Class A and B drugs and nine men have today been arrested.  A cannabis farm has been found at a property in Litherland and searches of all properties are ongoing.

Photo: Church Street, Southport (8am)

Sefton Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Claire Richards, said: “The action taken by officers this morning is the culmination of a 12 month operation targeting those involved in serious and organised crime within communities in Sefton. During the 12 months we have recovered Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) with an estimated street value of £10,000.

“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, as we have seen in the last couple of weeks.

She 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.

“If you are aware of drugs crime, or have information about those involved in serious and organised crime, in your area, let us know and we will take positive action and help you to improve your community. Calls to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 are anonymous and information provided could give us the opportunity to take positive action in your neighbourhood.”