Four people are in custody today after Staffordshire Police carried out morning raids on four properties in North Staffordshire.

It's part of an ongoing investigation into suspected child criminal exploitation and the supply of drugs in the county. 

Searches were carried out at four different addresses this morning in Kidsgrove, Milton and Norton where drugs, mobile phones, "a weapon", and cash were seized. 

The operation forms part of the police's child exploitation team's investigation into those suspected of coercing vulnerable children in local communities into criminality.

A 25-year-old man, a 28-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man, all from the Kidsgrove area, and a 23-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

Detective Sergeant Jon Tench, from our public protection unit, said: "This morning's activity sends out a clear message that those involved in child criminal exploitation are not welcome in Staffordshire and we're working 24/7 to stop them.

"Vulnerable children in our communities should not be subjected to coercion by criminal gangs. We're working with our partner agencies to put the right safeguarding measures in place to shield them from those trying to do them harm, continuing to act against those responsible and support victims.

"Anyone involved in child criminal exploitation is not welcome in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent."

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READ: Man suspected of burglary 'made off in canoe' before being arrested in Stoke-on-Trent

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