FIVE people were arrested in dawn raids today as part of a police crackdown on heroin and cocaine dealers.

Officers targeted 13 addresses in Church and central Accrington as part of Operation Nimrod.

Some 80 officers from across Lancashire and drugs sniffer dogs took part in the operation.

They were accompanied by a group of residents and councillors who witnessed the raids, including Coun Janet Storey, Hyndburn Council's portfolio holder for community safety.

The operation began around 7am and further arrests were expected during the day.

The raids follow a similar operation in the Woodnook area of Accrington four weeks ago, which resulted in nine people being charged.

After today's raids leaflets were distributed to residents in the area telling them about the operation and asking them to give police information about dealers in the area.

Supt Warren Turner, operations manager at Eastern Division, said: "This has been an intelligence led operation thanks to a great deal of support from a local community and many of our partner organisations.

"This demonstrates our commitment making a difference to people in the town."

Inspector Phil Cottam, Accrington's Police Commander, said: "Mounting raids on this scale can be very disruptive and we are very grateful to local residents for their tolerance and support.

"What today demonstrates is our commitment to work together with everyone affected by drug use and abuse in their society.

"The majority of people who live in the areas targeted today are decent people who tell us time and again they do not welcome the disruptive criminal minority in their midst. We have spent a long time building up a picture of activity in the area."

Coun Storey said: "You can appreciate all the planning that has gone into it and you can actually see an end result.

"It was very professional. It's not just today, its a deterrent as well and hopefully it also gives the dealers the chance to turn their lives around as well."

One of the residents who witnessed the raids, said: "Its very reassuring knowing the police are doing this sort of thing.

"It makes people feel a lot safer because its the drugs that cause most of the crimes."