Multiple arrests and vehicles seized in sting

Sgt Steven Lee said four drivers tried to resist being pulled over, which led to "short pursuits" that were concluded safely

Police have arrested two wanted criminals, three suspected drug drivers and made six arrests on suspicion of immigration crimes, during a multi-agency sting.

Officers from the Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Roads and Armed Policing Unit set up a base on the Atlas Terminal, near Great Yarmouth's Herring Bridge, on Tuesday.

In total, police made 11 arrests, seized 14 vehicles and discovered a cannabis factory after officers pursued one of four divers who resisted being stopped.

Sgt Steven Lee, who led the operation, said: "I dare say, as a result of today, there will be a lot of people appearing at court."

Police said more than 60 vehicles were stopped during the day of action

Sgt Lee said 64 vehicles - a mixture of motorcycles, cars, vans, light and heavy goods vehicles, and taxis - were directed into the compound. Only 13 drove away completely clear of any offences.

"The immigration service have arrested six people; we've arrested two people that are wanted for court and other offences, and we've arrested three people on suspicion of driving while over the specified limit for drugs," he added.

"And we've seized 12 vehicles that are either unlicensed or uninsured.

"Obviously, we would never want to put the public at risk with these operations, but unfortunately, we have had four vehicles now trying to make off from officers - and I'm pleased to report all four of those pursuits were short, well-managed and safely resolved with no injury or damage."

After failing to stop for officers and travelling the wrong direction down a one-way street, one driver got out of their vehicle and ran off, police said.

He was quickly stopped and arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving and for two court-ordered warrants, and was taken in for questioning.

A cannabis factory was discovered at the man's home address a short while later, and he was further arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, driving without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Police said they would prepare paperwork into the early hours as a result of the offences they discovered through the sting

Sgt Lee said the operation was highly targeted, using automatic number plate recognition and other intelligence to stop cars known to be on the road illegally, or connected to criminality.

"We're not looking to target people who are going about their normal daily business," he said.

"We are looking to take people off the road who are uninsured and unlicensed, and drug driving and committing other offences as well.

"It's an intelligence-led targeted operation looking to reduce the number of casualties on the roads and to tackle crime and organised crime."

Police spent more than six hours pulling over drivers on suspicion of a myriad of offences

Sgt Lee said he was keen to point out the operation did not compromise usual policing duties, with officers still working on investigations, public safety and 999 responses.

"There are a lot of officers here today and a lot of partner agencies, but this operation has no impact on what goes on across the constabulary.

"These operations are set up. A lot of officers volunteer to come in on rest days or change shifts to get involved... and the ultimate aim is to make a difference to try and limit the number of people injured and killed on our roads."