TWO properties in Accrington were raided by police yesterday as part of an investigation into county lines gangs using children to sell drugs.

As part of their investigations officers carried out dawn raids on properties in the Victoria Street and Primrose Street areas of Accrington and found a quantity of suspected cocaine and paraphernalia associated with drug-dealing.

No arrests were made at the time but enquiries are ongoing.

DI Martin Melvin said: “I hope yesterday’s action show that Lancashire Constabulary take illegal drug supply seriously and will not tolerate county lines criminal gangs operating in our communities. While no arrests were made yesterday, our enquiries are very much ongoing and we will continue to work to identify all those responsible.”

The searches came following the arrest of a 16-year-old male in Accrington on Monday who was found to be in possession of £600 of Class A drugs and three mobile phones.

He has been released under investigation.

County lines is a major issue involving drugs, violence, gangs, safeguarding, criminal and sexual exploitation, modern slavery and missing people.

The term county lines is used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”.

They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence - including sexual violence - and weapons.

Officer say that county lines activity and the associated violence, drug dealing and exploitation has a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities.

If you have concerns about the illegal supply of drugs or county lines activity in your area contact police on 101 or report it online at doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.

Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.