• We're now covering this police operation live here.

A HIGH profile police operation began with a bang with a series of dawn raids across Worcestershire this morning.

Operation Protect is the largest operation ever delivered across all communities served by the West Mercia/Warwickshire alliance.

One of our reporters, James Forrest, has been out with police this morning on drugs warrants.

The aim of Operation Protect, which involves more than 2,000 staff, is to show the commitment to protecting the public of ever single member of the West Mercia Police and Warwickshire workforce.

The operation began at 5am this morning and will see more than 40 warrants carried out alongside Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations to tackle criminals using the roads, community speed watch events, test purchase operations, schools visits to promote online safety, community engagement and crime prevention.

Individuals from all roles and positions are involved in the day; police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), special constables, cadets, staff and volunteers.

Speaking about Operation Protect this morning Deputy Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: "We want today to be an opportunity for us to open the doors on the world of policing to give you, the people we serve, a chance to see the work that is carried out 24/7 in order to protect you.

"Every single member of our alliance, no matter what their job title, plays an important role in protecting our communities from harm every day of the year.

"We are dedicated to being open and transparent. This our chance to give one clear strong message that we are here to catch criminals, prevent crime, tackle anti social behaviour and to engage with our communities to reassure them and to keep them safe. Today we are taking that opportunity."