ELEVEN people were arrested in early morning drugs raids involving more than 50 police officers in Stourport-on-Severn.

Operation Midas uncovered thousands of pounds worth of drugs, mainly heroin and crack cocaine, in yesterday's raids. Stolen property and money was also found.

The 11 people were arrested, and a further defendant arrested in custody, in connection with more than 70 drug offences.

Police said the arrests were the culmination of three months' work gathering information and more arrests would follow.

Chief Inspector Dave Jones, of Wyre Forest Police, said: "This operation targeted Class A drugs in our communities.

"Drugs are a big problem across parts of Wyre Forest, and their effects are felt by every resident of the district in terms of associated crime committed by drug users to fund their habit.

"The overall aim is the disruption to the supply of drugs in and around the Wyre Forest area.

"In the longer term we will be looking to work with our partners, including the probation service and drugs intervention agencies, to tackle the wider picture."

He said that help is needed from the public who can call them on 08457 444888.

Acting Inspector Amanda Bott added: "A small, relatively rural town like Stourport is not normally associated with drugs. However today's operation demonstrates that it is not just inner cities which have a drug problem."

"Stourport is a thriving tourist area and we hope today's operation will reassure not only the residents, but also the many visitors that the menace of drugs is being tackled."

Police Community Support Officers will be distributing leaflets giving a brief explanation of today's operation and reassuring residents. The leaflets also give contact phone numbers for helplines.