THIRTY-FOUR people were arrested in a series of police raids on houses in Burnley early today.

More than 300 officers, many drafted in from other areas, were involved in the biggest ever operation of its kind in the town.

It followed months of undercover work to gather evidence about criminal activity in the South West Burnley area, including the Stoops and Hargher Clough estates.

Suspected stolen property and drugs were recovered.

Superintendent Mike Griffin, commander of the Pennine Division, said the raids were the latest stage in a serious drive by police to tackle persistent and serious criminality.

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