POLICE today raided homes of suspected drug dealers as a major operation to clean up a housing estate swung into action.

Officers wearing body armour used battering rams to break down the doors of six homes in Airdrie Crescent and neighbouring Melrose Avenue on the Stoops Estate, Burnley.

Police were looking for drugs including heroin and crack cocaine, contraband booze and tobacco, cash and stolen goods.

A house in Hall Street, Blackburn, was targeted at the same time.

More than 50 police including dog handlers and mounted police took part in the raid as part of a joint operation with the housing company which recently took over all of Burnley's former council houses.

Police swooped at 9.15am and were in all the houses in seconds. The front door of one property was reinforced and took several blows from the battering ram before giving way. Police believe drug users pay for their drugs with stolen property some of which is then taken to the Blackburn address for disposal.

A thorough search was being carried out at all the properties.

One man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after approaching police to ask what was going on.

Operation Fisherman was organised by the police and partners including Burnley and Padiham Community Housing .

Company spokesman Alan Tyrrell said the operation was carried out in an attempt to get the message across to drug dealers on the estates that there was no hiding place.

The action followed a meeting between the company's tenancy enforcement team and police about the known major drugs problem in South West Burnley.

He said they would be taking follow up action against tenants who were involved in drugs crimes including possible eviction for breach of their tenancy agreement.

"It is important to the company that the unsavoury individuals peddling these lethal substances are removed from company properties and that these illegal activities are stamped out," he added.

Company chief executive Ian Saville said today's action should send out a very strong message to those involved in dealing in drugs on the estates.

"They should be aware that neither we nor the police are going to let these criminals ruin life for our customers.

"They must be able to live their lives in peace, free from the fears and consequences that the drug culture brings.

"If this is the result of the team after just six weeks all those who think that our estates are an easy touch should start looking over their shoulders now because they will be next."

Inspector Jeff Brown who is in charge of Padiham and South West Burnley said: "We are currently having particular problems with crack cocaine, or rock, as it is referred to in the drugs world. It is very addictive."