POLICE carried out early morning raids yesterday (Wednesday) as part of Operation Cyclone, which is cracking down on crime in areas including Leyland, Penwortham and Bamber Bridge.

A 32-year-old man was arrested for possession of heroin following a dawn raid in the Kingsfold area of Penwortham. Police later raided a property on the Wade Hall estate, Leyland, but no-one was arrested.

Cyclone, which was launched last month by Superintendent Steve Watson of Lancashire Police's southern division, is targeting people suspected of drug-related offences, burglary and petty theft

Thirty similar raids have been carried out over the past two-and-half-weeks. So far 90 people have been arrested across the division and several people have been charged.

Citizen reporter David Bartlett and photographer Kevin Walsh joined officers on the Leyland raid.

After a briefing at the town's police station in Lancastergate, officers were kitted up with protective clothing and made their way to the property.

On arrival officers left their vans and ran across a grass verge before smashing down the uPVC door of one property. Duffy, a five-year-old springer spaniel, was brought in to sniff out any illegal drugs but nothing was found.

Community beat manager, John Brady, said: "People on the estate have been very responsive and grateful for the action here this morning.

"By carrying out raids like this we are trying to transfer the fear of crime to the criminals.

A police spokesman said: "Although no drugs were found on the raid this morning, this kind of activity not only reassures the local community that the police will and do take action, but also acts as a warning to those who take part in criminal behaviour."