POLICE found replica guns and a knuckle duster in a Hampshire home they believed was being used by drug dealers.

Now officers have shut down the house which has been linked to county lines drug gangs.

A warrant and search was carried out by police at Sherwood Road, in Gosport, resulting in the discovery of drugs, replica firearms and a knuckle duster.

Arrests were carried out and the tenant living at the address has been rehomed.

The order will last for three months - meaning that it is a criminal offence for anyone to enter the property unless authorised by police.

Sergeant Katie Clift, from Gosport Central Neighbourhood Team, said: “I hope this closure reassures the local community that we will not tolerate drug supply and other drug-related offending in our communities, and we will do everything within our power to stop it.

“Searches at the address found clear evidence of criminal activity which was having a negative impact on the quality of life local residents who had raised concerns to us.

“We are pleased that the tenant has now found suitable accommodation, and I would like to thank the members of the community who were brave enough to assist us in our investigation.

She added: “I am also grateful to PCSO Tracy Burton and the local team whose persistence and desire to improve the lives of those in Sherwood Road made this closure order possible.

“If you are concerned about drug supply in your area, please call your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”