More than 100 arrested in suspected gang operation

Cleveland Police has carried out a series of raids over the past year

More than 100 people have been arrested as part of a year-long operation targeting suspected organised criminal gangs.

Cleveland Police carried out raids in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland in attempts to tackle those involved in drug dealing, exploitation and human trafficking.

At one address, officers said they had received reports "12 people had been queuing in the street" to buy drugs.

Insp Adrian Dack said Operation Artemis had made "a huge difference targeting criminals and helping those who have to live near them".

A total of 115 people were arrested during the raids over the last year, with large quantities of drugs and weapons seized, the force said.

Officers said offenders had "made a lot of money out of the misery of others".

Three people were arrested on suspicion of drug offences during a series of raids in Hartlepool on Thursday.

Police said they wanted to show residents their concerns were being listened to

Two swords and an axe were also recovered from a property in the town.

As the searches continued, some residents came out into the street and shouted their support for the police’s actions.

Many of the raids over the last year have seen officers work alongside the National Crime Agency and North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Cleveland Police said this proactive approach allows residents to see it does act on the intelligence it receives, and that information can often lead to arrests.