FIVE people have been arrested by North Yorkshire Police in connection with cross-border drug dealing.

Drug warrants were carried out by armed police, the dog team and local officers, at two properties in Harrogate - one in Lincoln Grove, and one in Bramham Drive - at about 4pm on Wednesday.

A police spokesman said four men were arrested in Bramham Drive, including a 42-year-old Harrogate man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, possession of cannabis and possessing an electric shock weapon.

The three others arrested were aged 22, 18 and 16, and all from the Birmingham area, and were all arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

In Lincoln Grove, a 53-year-old Harrogate man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

The two Harrogate men have been released while under investigation and the three from Birmingham remain in police custody.

Police said the operation was part of a 'county lines' investigation, into drug dealers from urban areas - such Manchester and the West Midlands - who travel to smaller cities and towns such as Harrogate and York to sell drugs, using violence and exploitation to target vulnerable or young people, forcing them to transport and sell drugs.

Inspector Penny Taylor of Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Tackling county lines is a priority for North Yorkshire Police and we have a dedicated team based in Harrogate whose daily business is to disrupt drug dealing activity and safeguard vulnerable people who may be exploited by organised criminals. It’s a hidden crime and not reported in the same way as other crimes such as burglary or theft, so information from members of the public is invaluable in helping us disrupt suspected drug dealing.

"If you think it is happening in your neighbourhood, please call the police or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can pass information the charity Crimestoppers. Look out for the signs and please report it if you suspect it is happening. No matter how small the piece of information, it all helps us to piece together a wider picture to inform our policing activity."

Anyone with information on suspected county lines crimes should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. If you or another person is in immediate danger, always call 999.