POLICE have raided 32 homes this morning – the majority in Warrington – in a bid to tackle suspected organised crime gangs and drugs rings.

So far 28 people have been arrested on suspicion of class A drug offences for heroin and crack cocaine following the dawn raids.

More than 300 officers from Cheshire Constabulary were involved in the strikes across Warrington and Merseyside as part of Operation Impact.

During the briefing, assistant chief constable Mark Roberts described the raids as 'one of the biggest for the force'. 

The warrants were a result of a six-month investigation, police say.

Officers swooped on homes from 6am this morning with six police dogs in attendance.

Properties on Pentland Avenue and School Road in Orford were targeted.

Nine addresses in Merseyside and one in St Helens were also raided.

Detective inspector Gary McIntyre, who was in charge of the operation, said: “The operation was launched as a result of intelligence, which was passed on by the community.

“The strike phase this morning is the result of months of hard work and evidence and intelligence gathering by a dedicated team of officers focusing on a number of people suspected of being involved in this type of crime. 

“We have seen first-hand how illegal drugs can ruin lives and devastate communities and residents should not have to live in fear or intimidation of this sort of illegal activity taking place in their neighbourhoods."

Chief inspector Pete Shaw, who is responsible for policing in Warrington, added that officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance to residents and urged anyone concerned to speak to their neighbourhood officer.

Properties on the below streets have been targeted:

Winmarleigh Street, town centre

St Peters Way, Orford

Whitworth Close, Birchwood

Farrell Street, Howley

Orford Lane, Orford

Lovely Lane, Whitecross

Hardwick Grange, Woolston

Amelia Street, Orford

Newcombe Avenue, Orford

Pentland Avenue, Orford

Cotswold Road, Orford

Ulverston Avenue, Orford

Borrowdale Avenue, Orford

Dutton Court, Howley

Grassmere Avenue, Orford

Longford Street, Orford

Fitzherbert Street, Orford

School Road, Orford

Broadway, St Helens

Caldy Grove, St Helens

Rye Close, St Helens

As well as nine addresses in Liverpool