FOUR homes in Blackburn were raided as part of a crackdown on suspected heroin and crack cocaine dealing.

At one home, specialist firearms officers were called after a suspected semi-automatic gun was found on a coffee table.

Homes in Walter Street, Cornelian Street and Hurstwood Avenue were raided by a team of 40 officers as part of Operation Titan afternoon.

Inspector David Mangan said the day of action came after concerns were raised from residents about alleged drug dealing in the community.

At Walter Street, in Audley, officers searched two terraced properties as part of an investigation into the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. A gun, which is now thought to have been adapted to shoot ballbearings, was seized.

Insp Mangan said no drugs were found at the address but the area was flooded with officers, completing patrols and talking to residents.

He said: “We rely on community intelligence and this operation was important to show how seriously we take drug dealing.

“On this occasion no drugs were found but the raid came about because of community intelligence.

“We want to assure people that we take their concerns very seriously and will continue to target the people who bring misery to neighbourhoods.”

Suspected drug dealers were also targeted in Cornelian Street, Roe Lee, and Hurstwood Avenue, off Livesey Branch Road, last night.

Operation Titan has been running in Blackburn throughout the summer.