POLICE arrested 12 people in a series of dawn swoops across Burnley today.

The raids were part of a major offensive against suspected drug dealers in Burnley.

This morning dozens of officers raided nine homes in the Burnley Wood, Duke Bar and Ightenhill areas of the town.

They uncovered substances believed to be hard drugs including heroin, crack and cocaine. A gun was also seized in the simultaneous raids.

Today a top cop vowed to continue targeting dealers who make residents' lives hell.

Superintendent Neil Smith hailed the raid a success and added: "Those arrested face being locked up if found guilty."

He said: "Everything has gone to plan and all the targets have been arrested.

"Officers are talking to residents to reassure them and tell them if they give us information about drugs we will take action.

"We will continue to use every tool possible to target people selling drugs to local communities."

Police swooped on two addresses in Branch Road and Parkinson Street as well as homes in Plover Street, Holly Street, Brennand Street, Gatefield Court and Marlborough Street as part of Operation Nimrod -- Lancashire Police campaign to tackle drug dealing as well as narcotic related crime such as robbery, burglary and car theft.

Police arrested their 10 targets and two more on suspicion of firearm offences and public order.

Following the sweeps police posted leaflets through residents doors and slapped posters on the windows of the raided properties.

A resident in Branch Road, who did not want to be named, praised the police for their actions.

She said: "It is good that the police are taking action. I have kept finding needles in the back street for the last six months.

"The council have been cleaning the back yards out for the last six months but they still keep doing it."