DRUG users were today warned to expect further raids after eight people were arrested in swoops on homes.

Houses in the Stoneyholme, Brunshaw and Burnley Wood areas were targeted by police as part of their drive to rid Burnley of dealers and drugs.

Eight people were arrested and substances believed to be cannabis and heroin were seized.

The warrants were executed by police as a result of information from Burnley residents.

Insp John Clucas, geographic inspector for Burnley East, said today that further warrants would be executed in Burnley in coming weeks under the Burnley Residents Against Drugs initiative.

Insp Clucas said: "The buying, selling and use of drugs from people's homes and the crime that this attracts will not be tolerated.

"We are determined to reassure the residents of Burnley that we will act on good quality information, find out who the suppliers are and bring them before the courts."Insp Clucas urged anyone with information about any crime, but particularly drugs related crime, to contact police by ringing Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

One of the addresses targeted in yesterday's raids had been previously searched under a warrant issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act following information that drugs activity was taking place there despite the previous police operation. Insp Clucas added: "The clear message I want to get across is that we will continue to disrupt drug users and dealers and will return to address if the people in them do not change their behaviour."

All eight people arrested were later given advice by drugs arrest referral workers in Burnley custody office in an effort to give practical help with any addiction problems they may have. No charges have yet been brought.