TWO more people were arrested after the second successive day of early morning police raids in York.

More than 30 officers simultaneously raided five flats in The Groves, smashing in doors as they searched for drugs and stolen property in Operation Oblique.

Officers described a flat they raided in Helmsley House, March Street, as "disgusting," littered with dirt and drugs paraphernalia.

A sniffer dog was used to search the flat.

Flats were also raided in Penleys Grove Street and Abbot Street.

Chief Inspector Howard Harding said a small seizure of what was believed to be controlled drugs had been made.

Sergeant Bob Mowat, leading today's raids, said: "What has taken place today is part of a joint effort between North Yorkshire Police, the community and Safer York Partnership.

"Expect to see more of this going on across York. This is not the end. York is a fantastic city spoiled by a few criminals.

"Our message to those criminals is that we are coming for them."

Chief Inspector Harding added: "We are going to make life very uncomfortable for people who sell drugs on York's streets or who steal to fund their habit. People who continue doing it can expect to see a response like the one we have seen today."

Today's raids came exactly 24 hours after four flats and The Reindeer pub in The Groves were raided.

Five people were arrested yesterday and drugs and stolen propery were seized.

Updated: 14:34 Friday, September 05, 2003