FIVE women and a man were arrested and property was seized in police raids on houses on Burnley's Stoops e state.

More than 50 police were involved in Operation Fisherman, a crackdown on crime on Burnley's housing estates.

A convoy of police vehicles went on to the estate at 9.15am yesterday, using battering rams to break into five houses in Airdrie Crescent and another round the corner in Melrose Avenue.

A house in Hall Street, Blackburn, was raided at the same time. An explanation was given for cash recovered at that property and no-one was arrested.

Sgt Steve Hindle said five women and one man were arrested and that a small amount of substances suspected to be heroin and cannabis were recovered.

Also seized were substantial amounts of cash and suspected stolen property.

The six people arrested were later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Sgt Hindle said: "Our investigations are continuing and more arrests are anticipated."

The raids were organised by police working in partnership with Burnley and Padiham Community Housing, new owners of the former council houses, in an attempt to rid the estate of drug dealing and associated crime.

Those proved to be involved also face the possibility of eviction for breach breach of their tenancy agreement.

Anyone with information about crime on the estates is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.