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Three men have been arrested during early-morning drugs raids across Preston.

Officers from Lancashire Police executed a series of warrants to search homes in the city on Monday as part of a crackdown on drug dealing and violent crime.

The raids took place in the Plungington area and other parts of Preston.

A 21-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of firearm offences and two men, both from Preston, were arrested in connection with drugs offences.

Police also seized a quantity of cash, drugs and weapons.

The raids were part of Operation Orchid, a response to a recent increase in gang-related incidents and violence in the city.

Det Chief Insp Steve Dowson from Preston Police said: “These raids were carried out after we received intelligence regarding the activities of a small number of individuals who we believe to be involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, some of which is gang-related, in the city centre and surrounding areas.

“I want to reassure residents that we are committed to addressing these issues and we want to work with the community to prevent these incidents on our streets.

“Whilst these incidents are isolated we need to be made aware of anyone engaged in criminality and I would urge the public to continue to work with us. If people see any suspicious activity in their community, they should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”