POLICE recovered hundreds of pounds in cash and confiscated electrical goods in a pub raid.

About 30 officers including the district drugs unit and the dogs section raided the Westminster Hotel, Parliament Road, Middlesbrough, at 12.45pm yesterday.

The operation was organised following tip-offs from local residents that the premises were being used by drug dealers.

A quantity of cash and several electrical items, mostly televisions, were taken away, and officers searched the rundown pub.

Last night, two men aged 36 and 26, were being questioned after they were arrested for involvement in the supply of controlled drugs. A 45-year-old man was also arrested for allowing the premises to be used for the supply or use of controlled substances.

As the four-hour search progressed, environmental health and trading standards officers were brought in to investigate other possible breaches at the pub.

Inspector Robert Donaghy, who led the operation, said: "The information which led to yesterday's action came from local residents through the community police officers, who will always take a firm stance on any drug dealing in the area.

" We are particularly against it in a pub, which should be used by local people for recreation.

"We are certainly looking for support from the public and we will continue to coordinate raids in the future.

"The public will be reassured by this, that their information is treated confidentially and that positive action will be taken."