Police bid to shut 'drugs den' house

Police are set to make an application to magistrates later today to impose East Lancashire's first closure order on the house in Yorkshire Street.

The move comes after three people were arrested following the raid yesterday morning.

Police executed a drugs warrant at the house after residents claimed the property was being used as a 'drugs den'.

The property was searched and a quantity of a substance believed to be heroin was found.

Three people from the address were arrested. Community beat manager PC Claire Di Michele said: "The use of illegal drugs and the misery it causes to residents is something that will not be tolerated by police in Rossendale.

"Where there is sufficient intelligence we will not only execute warrants on premises, but if appropriate, we'll do out best to shut them down too.

"The warrant and the closure notice were secured as a direct result of information from the general public and our own general observations when we've patrolled the area. The fact the premises are effectively closed should help reassure law-abiding people in our community that the police can and will take firm action against suspected offenders.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of today's warrant and the closure notice - a first for East Lancashire - and we hope our activity sends a strong message to others involved in the use and supply of illegal drugs in the Rossendale Valley."

Police used a closure order, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, in February to shut down Monroes nightclub in Great Harwood after the owner, Anthony Ian Jackson was charged with drugs and licensing offences.

This is the first time such a procedure has been carried out on a non-commercial property in the area after it was used to close a house by police in Lancaster earlier this year.

To report drug dealing, anonymously and free of charge, call the Burnley Drugsline on 0800 555 885.