POLICE stormed a series of flats in Greenock and arrested six people as they stepped up a major operation to crack down on serious crime in Inverclyde.

The intelligence-led raids yesterday saw officers smash their way into four homes using battering rams, shields and search equipment.

Plain clothed and uniformed personnel worked together to execute drug search warrants obtained for properties in Dempster Street and three on nearby Brachelston Street.

The Tele can reveal that six people were detained in connection with drug offences.

Four men - aged 46, 28, 28, 25 - and two women, 32 and 42, were arrested, with enquiries continuing.

Chief Inspector Paul Cameron, area commander, said: “Our officers are committed to stopping the supply of drugs within the Inverclyde area and this operation shows the hard work of the dedicated teams involved.

“We will continue our work to combat drug abuse within our communities and I would urge those who have any information to contact police.

“If you have any concerns surrounding the supply of drugs in your area, please come forward and speak to police.”

The operation began when a fleet of police vehicles swept into Dempster Street at around 9.45am.

The Tele was with a team of officers as they pounced on the first property to be targeted.

Officers swept in through the close and gained entry to a flat where they conducted a rigorous search.

At a second property the Tele saw officers faced with a door which had been barricaded with thick planks of wood and wooden boards.

Specially trained officers gained access to the flat, leaving the hallway strewn with debris from the barriers, as they went inside to carry out a search.

The series of raids follows Inverclyde police Chief Inspector Cameron's recent call for more people across Inverclyde to speak up and report crime.

*To report suspicious activity call Greenock police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.