Arrests after police raids across Hastings

Police have carried out raids on eight properties in Hastings

Police have carried out a series of raids across Hastings, East Sussex.

Fifty officers executed eight warrants across the town, and several arrests were made.

The arrests were in relation to drug offences, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.

Police are also working with local authorities and charities, particularly in relation to so-called cuckooing, where a vulnerable person has their home used as a base by offenders.

Ch Insp Jay Mendis-Gunasekera, district commander for Hastings and Rother, said: "We're here to support the most vulnerable victims of crime.

"For us it's a matter of working with our communities. They need to support us with information around the crime and disorder in the area. We will tackle it but we need to get the information."

About 50 officers were involved in the operation

Insp Richard Breeze said the operation was about tackling organised crime and turning youngsters away from offending.

He said: "We are aware of people that are exploiting others and we will pursue them.

"There are others on the periphery, young people, that we maybe have a chance to divert away from organised crime. If we can divert one child we will consider that a success.

"The warrants today show the consequence of what can happen if you are involved in organised crime."