AN early-morning police raid on suspected dealers of hard drugs in Burnley has been welcomed by a senior councillor.


Neighbourhood officers covering the Daneshouse area of the town executed a search warrant at a home in Whalley Street at around 8.30am yesterday.


Police used a battering ram to break down the back door of the terraced property and made two arrests.

Cllr Shah Hussain, the former Burnley Council cabinet member who represents the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, applauded the police operation.


But he voiced concerns that fresh potential dealers may be lined up to replace them.


Cllr Hussain said: “When we have been out knocking on doors this is one of the issues that people have been talking about. I think there was also a raid in Elm Street a couple of weeks ago as well.


“I’m glad the police are making some headway on these matters. But unfortunately there always seems to be others who are then lined up to take their place.


“That’s the cold, hard reality of the situation I’m afraid. But again it’s positive something is being done.”


Police have confirmed the raid concerned class A drugs, the classification for heroin and cocaine, but were unable to provide values for the seizure.


A police spokesman said: “We executed a warrant at an address in Whalley Street at around 8.30am. 


“We arrested two people a 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman from Burnley on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. They are still in custody.”


Another raid also took place at a terraced house in Branch Road, Burnley Wood, on Wednesday, according to police.


In a joint operation with special constables, Burnley Wood officers broke down the front door of the property.


No arrests were made in the second raid but enquiries are understood to be ongoing.


Residents in Burnley are being asked to contact police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.