Staffordshire Police have slapped a Stoke-on-Trent house with a closure order, forcing existing residents to find alternative accommodation.

Police state they have responded to concerns over drugs and anti-social behaviour.

The Rawlins Street property in Northwood was also subject to a recent XL bully attack which caused a woman to receive a significant leg injury after being bitten by a dog inside the house. 

The closure order which was granted 29 April lasts for three months. During that time only the landlord, a contractor working for the landlord or anyone authorised by Staffordshire Police can access the property. 

Anyone accessing the property without permission could be arrested. The order states: "A person commits an offence if they remain on or enter this premises and can be arrested. If found guilty of an offence they are liable to imprisonment and/or a fine."

Police say they have responded to concerns over drugs and anti-social behaviour (SWNS).

One neighbour said: "Long story short it was a crack house, full of dodgy dogs and dodgy characters. It was like a doss house really. It's a quiet street and it was full of criminals really.

"Just yesterday they closed it, thank god, everyone else on the street is lovely. But now that they're gone it's quiet, honestly it's been amazing, we had a nice sleep last night."

Residents reported that bins had been kicked over, loud noises and motorbikes had been driven late at night by some of the people who were using the property.

Another resident added: "On one hand I'm happy about it because the people were really rude coming and going from there, it was like a hotel. However, you also don't want to see people homeless."

Staffordshire Police said that officers have worked hard securing the order. Police have previously warned that they will be monitoring the area and will take action if necessary and will continue to take action to tackle anti-social behaviour. 

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