FIVE people suspected of being involved with the supply of illicit substances in a County Durham town were arrested by armed police this afternoon.

Officers with guns attended several properties in the Grey Street area of Crook at around noon today.

One man, who saw the police activity, said: “Police were still here six hours later, on guard front and back.

“It is a major operation involving police helicopter, 20 police and six houses raided to the rear of the council offices.”

Two men and three women, aged between 40 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and are now in police custody.

They are being quizzed by police officers in connection with the ongoing inquiry into drug dealing.

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police attended several properties in Grey Street area of Crook, at around noon today.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

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