EIGHT men and one woman have been arrested in early-morning raids in York.

The men, aged 19 to 43, were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine. The woman, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

A police helicopter was involved in the operation, led by North Yorkshire Police, in the early hours of Thursday.

A force spokesman said: "North Yorkshire Police executed arrest warrants at addresses around the city early this morning. They included travellers’ sites in Osbaldwick and James Street."

The operation began at 6am, and all nine people are in police custody.

Police said on Friday that all nine had been released on bail, while the investigation continued.

Earlier this month, police revealed a "significant" quantity of Class A drugs had been found in Osbaldwick, but the force has said it will not say whether that find is linked to Thursday's arrests.

The spokesman said officers from a number of policing teams across York took part in the operation.

Acting Detective Inspector Nichola Holden said: “Police successfully executed nine arrest warrants across York today.

“All nine people have been arrested and they are currently in custody as enquiries continue.

“In the meantime our officers are continuing to provide reassurance to nearby residents and their communities.”