POLICE continued to wage their war on drugs in Southampton as they carried out a series of raids in homes across a city neighbourhood.

Teams of officers burst into ten homes across the Thornhill and Harefield area, arresting six people on suspicion of drug related offences.

Yesterday morning’s raids were the latest under Operation Fortress which aims to stamp out illegal drugs and drug-related violence in the county.

Four men – one aged 18, two aged 19, one aged 23 and a 28-year-old woman were all being held in police custody where they were quizzed in connection with drug offences.

A 34-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

The raids were carried out in Ellwood Avenue, Linacre Road, Tunstall Road, Lydgate Road, Farringford Road and Bursledon Road while a property in Fritham Road, Harefield, was also targeted.

The early morning drama caused quite a stir in the community as police swarmed the area.

A woman from Thornhill, who didn’t want to be identified, said: “My partner saw four police vans and a lot of police activity.

“I am glad the police are doing something because drugs are a big problem around here.”

A mum-of-two from Thornhill who asked not to be named, said: “I saw a police van circling around Ludgate Road and Tunstall Road.

“Drug raids have happened here before, it is quite scary for the kids.”

Another 52-year-old resident from Ellwood Avenue was surprised by the raids. He said: “It is quieter around here than it used to be. I am glad they are doing something about drugs.

“Sometimes you can smell cannabis around here, but it is like a lot of areas these days.”

During the raids officers seized quantities of suspected Class B and C drugs along with cash.

Anyone with information relating to today’s raids should contact police on 101, email operation.fortress@hampshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.