FIVE MEN have been arrested after a drugs bust on a Hampshire estate this morning.

A “ring of steel” was set up around Northam Estate as officers executed drug warrants to ensure no one could get in or out of the area.

The Operation Fortress Team raided the estate as part of an intelligence-led operation aimed at stopping drug use and supply within the community.

Following the warrants the Safer Neighbourhoods team have been conducting high visibility patrols to reassure residents and explain the purpose of today's operation.

This afternoon Southampton City Council will be litter picking and dealing with any fly tipping in the area, as well as conducting parking enforcement.

Southampton District Chief Inspector Charlie Rimmer said: “This intelligence led operation has been a big success so far. The aim is to work with the community and our partners to make the Northam estate a safe and pleasant place for all.

“The already well established Fortress team have excellent links with local drugs intervention projects which help users get the support they need to turn their lives around.

“We always encourage residents to report concerns relating to drugs use and supply in their neighbourhoods, this type of information allows us to conduct operations such as the one in Northam today. We would like to thank the community for their co-operation and support.”

Anyone with concerns about drugs related activity in their neighbourhood should contact their Safer Neighbourhoods team on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.

The beat office on the estate is also open for residents to report incidents to police or speak to Parent Support Link, and organisation which supports families and friends of drug users.