A CROWD of residents gathered at the scene of a drugs raid and applauded police who arrested a man and his wife.

Cleveland Police's Drugs Unit raided two addresses on the Lakes Estate, at Redcar, and recovered heroin and cannabis valued at £1,600.

Five people were arrested by police, acting on tip-offs from residents.

The man and his wife were arrested after cannabis resin with a street value of £600 was recovered.

DC Martin Rowland said: "The dealing at this address took place during daylight hours and in full view of the public.

"This concerned members of the local community. They made their concerns known to the police and Operation Chorley was set up to gain evidence of drug dealing from the property. When police gained entry into the house, a sizeable crowd of onlookers gathered and applauded."

In a second raid, suspected uncut and pure heroin with a street value of £1,000 was found. Officers had forced entry into the house.

DC Darren Henry said: "Any form of drug related offending will not be tolerated. It is an unwanted nuisance and we will continue to seek out offenders."

Anyone with suspicions of drug-related activities can call a confidential phone line on 0800 929702.