MORE than 150 police officers have carried out a series of raids at homes across Southampton.

Officers stormed properties across the city this morning as part of an operation following burglaries and car thefts in the city.

A total of 14 warrants were executed in properties resulting in ten people being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.

Those arrested are all men from Southampton and are aged 16, two 17-year-olds, 18, 20, three 21-year-olds, 23 and 34. They are currently being questioned by police.

Residents today reported seeing armed police carrying riot gear in the Millbrook area around  Kendall Avenue, Outer Circle and Windrush Road.

Neighbours told how at least four officers went in to a house in Mardale Road and Kendal Avenue and a Hampshire Police mobile CCTV Unit was later parked outside a property.

A builder working nearby said: "I don't know what is happening but I saw police making a forced entry into a house and it seemed quite dramatic."

Officers were seen leaving a property in Mardale Road carrying a bicycle which they then out in the back of their van.

In Kendal Avenue, residents reported three police vans in the road and dozens of officers.

A removal van is also parked in the road with motorbikes and push bikes inside.

People living in the are told how they were surprised to see so many police vans in one area and didn't know what was happening.

At one property, officers have been spotted carrying evidence bags out of a house as well as paper bags, bin bags and a box filled with items.

One resident said: "I have no idea what is going on, it's all very busy and intriguing. I've seen a few police officers going into houses and then driving in their van to another part of the road, no one knows what it is for."

Detective Inspector Fiona Bitters said: “These warrants have been conducted as part of a crack down on burglaries and thefts of motor vehicles in Southampton. We take these offences very seriously and will take positive action to disrupt this criminal activity.

“Anyone with information about burglary or vehicle crime in their area should contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team by calling 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”