FIVE people were arrested after a police drugs raid in Darlington last night.

Eight officers smashed their way into a flat, on Clifton Road, near Bank Top train station, at about 5.30pm.

Four men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs. Police said the charge could later be upgraded to possession with intent to supply.

The nature of the drugs could not be confirmed until tests had taken place - but police said powders and pills were found.

The raid took place after intelligence from officers and other sources.

After police got into the house, they levered the upstairs flat door open to find five people and evidence of suspected drug-taking.

Acting Sergeant Phil Collingwood said after the raid: "There was no physical confrontation - but they weren't pleased to see us."

With residents looking on, one woman, who appeared to be in her twenties, was led from the house at 5.55pm. Two men followed soon after, both covering their faces.

Those arrested were taken to Darlington police station to be searched and interviewed. Once the flat was empty, police conducted a thorough, hour-long search of the property.

Sgt Collingwood, who led a team of seven officers, said substances believed to be class A drugs and drug-taking paraphernalia were seized before the detailed search.

"It was difficult to say whether the raid was successful until you find the results of the interviews, and of the substances seized," he said.

"It was pleasing to have seized the substances, because it backed up what we were expecting. The reason for doing this is the impact on the local community drug-taking has."

Speaking about the 5.30pm start - most drug raids take place in the morning - Sgt Collingwood said: "We have to go when we think there will be someone there."

The raid was part of the Park East Action Week, a combined effort from police, Darlington Borough Council and other agencies to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour in the ward