POLICE have recovered what they believe to be the biggest ever haul of crack cocaine in a North town.

Officers seized thousands of pounds worth of the drug on Monday after carrying out raids at three houses in Hartlepool.

Three people -two women and a man -were arrested and one woman was due to appear at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with possession with intent to supply. The others were released on police bail.

Drugs with a street value of £6,000 were found at two of the town centre properties, and they have been sent to forensic labs for testing.

The raids were the result of information provided by the public.

A Hartlepool Police spokesman said: "The information we received was the basis of a successful police operation.

"It resulted in the biggest haul of crack cocaine ever recovered in the town. We believe this was a large-scale operation with links outside the area.

"We will not tolerate drugs in Hartlepool and if the public provide us with good information, we can act accordingly and help stamp out this evil trade."