THREE men have been arrested following a series of early morning raids at properties in East Lancashire.

Officers targeting county lines drug dealing in Burnley also seized Class A drugs, mobile phones and cash during the operation, where warrants were executed on March Street, Kent Street and Clive Street in the town.

Led by the East Lancashire Targeted Crime Team, officers from the East Exploitation team, neighbourhoods and task force also helped in securing the arrests.

The men – aged 22, 23 and 24, - and all from Burnley have been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug. They are all currently in custody.

Offices also seized a quantity of Class A drugs, mobile phones and cash.

Sgt Haydn Sibley, of the East Targeted Crime Team, said: “These arrests came on the back of a targeted investigation into organised crime groups (OCGs) operating in Burnley.

“Not only do these groups exploit the most vulnerable in society, often using children to supply Class A drugs, they also spread misery amongst the communities in which they operate.”

Although the signs of county lines grooming can be hard to see, they include; having a new phone, a new bike, new clothes, new friends, new habits and new attitudes.

Child victims also frequently go missing, they use nicknames to refer to other people, they have a new controlling girlfriend or boyfriend, disengage from school, and often have unexplained injures.

If you are worried about a young or vulnerable person, you can visit eyes-open.co.uk to find out more.

To report a crime in your area call 101 or 999 in an emergency or if it is ongoing.