TERRIFIED residents have helped detectives to close a drugs den.

Magistrates in Hartlepool were told yesterday that addicts congregated at the house, in Uppingham Street, alarming and distressing neighbours.

Officers took evidence anonymously from people who regularly witnessed drugs activity at the home of 30-year-old Lisa Meadley.

Steel shutters were last night pu up at the property and relieved neighbours saw Meadley leave only 30 minutes before officers arrived to board up the house.

It followed a raid last Friday, when police found needles in bags, tin foil, scales and traces of brown powder.

Detective Sergeant Ken Bennett told the court that Meadley was well-known to police for drugs activity and she had a string of previous convictions.

Magistrates took only minutes to decide to grant the closure of the property for three months.

Photographs taken during the raid were viewed in court, including one showing a needle next to a teddy bear.

After the case, Det Sgt Bennett said he believed Meadley was living alone, but had a constant stream of visitors.

Evidence from one resident told how "smackheads" knocked on her door, believing it to be the home of Meadley.

Det Sgt Bennett added: "This is a great result for the local residents, who thanked us when we arrived with the steel shutters."