Cash, drugs and weapons were seized during a county lines operation in Shropshire.

Officers from West Mercia and Merseyside Police targeted supplies and associated crime in Oswestry, Whitchurch, Market Drayton, Harlescott, Castlefields and Shrewsbury town centre.

Seven people have been arrested, £9,000 in cash was seized and four weapons including three knives were found by police.

Shropshire Proactive CID's Detective Constable Ben Docherty said: “We know individuals involved in county lines drug dealing are travelling from Merseyside into Shropshire. Those involved in this criminality are either looking to exploit vulnerable people in our communities or are being exploited themselves.

“We are working in partnership with Merseyside Police to strengthen our response to disrupt their drugs supply and protect those at risk of exploitation.”

West Mercia Police said the latest operation resulted in five arrests for concerned in the supply of drugs, one arrest for being wanted on warrant, and one arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. Two properties were raided as a result of the arrests.

A vehicle and drugs were seized, and police also said that there were five out of custody processes for possession of controlled drugs offences.

Concerns about drug dealing and county lines gangs or victims can be reported online

Anyone who has information but does not feel comfortable speaking to police, can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask names and they cannot trace calls or I.P addresses. Crimestoppers can be contacted online or by calling 0800 555 111. Young people can pass on information anonymously and find further information and advice on the Fearless website