SIX men have been arrested as part of a “major investigation” into an alleged organised crime group in Lancashire.

Police said yesterday’s swoops were part of a crackdown on a plot to commit robberies across the region.

Officers carried out raids at addresses in Colne and Leigh in Greater Manchester yesterday morning and another man was arrested at an address in Clayton le Woods.

Three men were also produced from prison.

A 50 year old man was arrested at an address in Colne, a 31 year old man at an address in Leigh and a 26 year old man at an address in Clayton le Woods.

A 34 year old man from Burnley and a 22 year old man from Bolton were produced from HMP Preston and a 55 year old man from Samlesbury was produced from HMP Kirkham.

All six people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and will be questioned at Preston Police Station during the course of the day.

Detective Inspector Simon Brooksbank, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “These arrests form part of a complex Serious and Organised Crime Unit investigation into an alleged Organised Crime Group operating within Lancashire.

“The activities of Organised Crime Groups feed the habit of those who commit the crimes that impact upon many of us, burglary, robbery, car crime and make communities feel less safe and we are determined to take positive action against those involved.

“Today’s activity is the result of an intelligence operation lasting months, but what really made it possible was the help we received from members of the public. Most of the time it’s the little details which can give people away and I would encourage people to come forward and report any suspicious activity to us, even if it seems very trivial.”