Six arrested in child exploitation and drug supply crackdown in Accrington

Raids were carried out at various addresses in Lancashire and Cumbria over the past two days as part of Operation Stark.

Machetes, cannabis and mobile phones suspected of being linked to an organised crime group were uncovered by police as a result of the operation.

Four people have now been charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The offences are alleged to have been carried out between November 2018 and May 2019.

A 38-year-old man from Accrington and a 21-year-old man from Cumbria have also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and remain in custody.

Martin Kennedy, from East Division, said: "Organised crime, including the supply of drugs, blights our communities and puts ordinary law-abiding people at risk. We remain committed to taking drugs off our streets and pursing those suspected to be involved in illegal activity.

"I would urge our communities to work with us on identifying those responsible for this type of activity so that we can continue to keep our communities safe.

"Intelligence from members of the public is key in operations like this and I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist, to get in touch.

Sixteen people have previously been charged as part of the operation, according to police.

These are the four people who have been charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine:

- Michael Hall 32, of Clement Street, Accrington

- Junaid Khan, 20, of Ormerod Street, Accrington

- Marban Hussain, 53, of Jannat Close, Accrington

- Iftikhar Asghar, of Lincoln Street, Wakefield

Anyone who suspects drugs being dealt in their area can contact police on 101.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.