WEAPONS were seized by police during dramatic drugs raids in Worcester as they acted on reports alleged dealers had been 'selling cannabis to kids'.

Officers kitted out in helmets and other personal protective equipment sprinted out of an unmarked van and smashed their way into flats at 16 and 16A Avon Road, Tolladine, Worcester, shortly after 9.15am using an enforcer, a metal battering ram.

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Another flat, believed to have links to the other two - 7 Avon Road - was also raided. The aim of the warrant, authorised by magistrates and executed at the three Worcester properties at the same time, was not only to find drugs and take potential dealers off the streets but also to send a stern message to others who ply that evil trade - police will take decisive action against those who blight city communities.

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Police from the Gorse Hill and Rainbow Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team have now urged others to come forward with information about those who sell drugs so they can root out the dealers and clean up Worcester communities.

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Around 15 West Mercia Police officers were involved in the warrant, part of Operation Gigawatt. The front and back of the three properties were secured to prevent any drugs being disposed of while PC Glenn Rees and police dog Waffle were instrumental in the search for cannabis.

For some police veterans the raid followed a routine with which they were all too familiar but for one, PC Liam Hulbert, it was his first time on a warrant after joining the force as part of a graduate scheme.

The 'big red key' crashed through the door of 16A which broke into splinters as shouts of 'police!' echoed through the flat's hallway. Officers ran up a steep, narrow flight of stairs with shouts of alarm and surprise coming from within.

Once inside officers swiftly handcuffed a man who seemed to be in an agitated state and who continued to remonstrate with police. A young woman was also in the flat at the time. Officers calmly explained the reason for their visit.

Handcuffs were a precaution until they were happy no weapons were within reach and that the male was not armed. Once they were satisfied he posed no danger, he was released.

At the same time officers were also carrying out a warrant at another address, also in Avon Road (number 7), which West Mercia Police believe is linked to the the other two addresses. Knuckledusters which the owner claimed was 'just a belt buckle' were seized at 16A and an imitation Glock pistol was confiscated at 7 Avon Road.

During the raid at 16A the man in handcuff told officers: "There's nothing in the house! You don't have a clue. You guys have got a lot of explaining to to do. There's no cannabis - nothing. This is mad. You guys make a mistake."

At one stage he complained that officers had 'scared his cat'. Later he said: "I need someone to fix my door!"

The 38-year-old man also told officers to search the house 'piece by piece' and was told to 'calm down' by officers because he had begun to raise his voice.

A former firearms officer who was on the warrant said: "A firearms officer has a half a second to make a decision on whether a gun is real. Replica firearms are getting so realistic. It's difficult to tell. You're often just looking at the end of the firearm."

Cannabis was found at the second address (number 7) along with some cash. The remnants of cannabis were also found at number 16 which had been stored in protein tubs. A Citroen C4 linked to number 16 was seized by police and towed away because it was identified as being uninsured.

The raids were welcomed by members of the community. A man, who declined to be named, pulled alongside the police in his car and said: "Thank you officers for cleaning up the area. There's a few more you want to do."

PC Allan Figueiredo, known as 'Fig', who co-ordinated the raids, assured the man officers would act on any intelligence they received and told him to call Crimestoppers with any information about drug dealing.

He said: "The warrants are drugs warrants. However, during our searches we have uncovered a few weapons which we've seized. We don't want them on the streets. We have also made some enquiries into some potential stolen items and a cannabis caution has been given to one of the occupants of the addresses."

The officer added: "I also want to encourage members of the public to come forward with information because we will act on that information and the more information we get, the better opportunities we, as your Safer Neighbourhood Team, have to act on that information, obtaining warrants and clearing the neighbourhood up."

Immigration checks were also performed on Iraqi nationals at 7 Avon Road, Worcester but the paperwork was in order. Deal bags and grinders were also found there, signifying potential dealing. However, no arrests were made.

Those with information about potential dealing can call West Mercia Police on their non-emergency number - 101. Information can also be given by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.