Estate locals cheer police raid

Residents on a troubled estate cheered as dozens of police officers mounted a major raid from the back of two unmarked furniture removal vans.

Six homes in the Whitley area of Reading, Berkshire, were raided on Wednesday night by the 45-strong team.

They found a live firearm, hunting knives, a crossbow and a ball-bearing gun. A number of people were arrested.

The raid in Windermere Road was part of Thames Valley Police's ongoing drugs crackdown Operation Eightfold.

(This operation) has only been a success thanks to the support and co-operation of Whitley residents who work with us and give us the information we need Inspector Ray Farrow

The raid targeting three different blocks of flats also involved the force's dog unit and helicopter.

In one flat, a 22-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class C drugs.

Both have been bailed pending further inquiries and are due to return to police on 7 April.

An 18-year-old girl was also arrested and cautioned for public order offences.

The force then went on to send officers out on "zero tolerance" patrols across Reading, which led to three more arrests.

Inspector Ray Farrow said: "Operation Eightfold has been running since last September and has seen more than 100 arrests.

"We said it would continue and tonight proves it has."

Last Wednesday, magistrates in Reading used new powers to order two crack houses to be boarded up and for anyone trying to get in to be arrested.