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Manchester and Salford drug raids watched by public Manchester and Salford drug raids watched by public
(about 1 hour later)
Members of the public have been invited to watch a series of police raids targeting drug dealing in Greater Manchester.Members of the public have been invited to watch a series of police raids targeting drug dealing in Greater Manchester.
Residents, sixth-form students, youth leaders and business owners were taken in minibuses to see the raids in Manchester and Salford. Residents, members of community groups, sixth-form students and business owners were taken in minibuses to see the raids in Manchester and Salford.
Chief Constable Peter Fahy said it was important for people to see police work first-hand and a sign of its openness. Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "It is really important policing is accountable and open."
Fifty people have been arrested in the raids which started at 06:00 GMT.Fifty people have been arrested in the raids which started at 06:00 GMT.
Ch Supt Russ Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Cracking down on drugs in our communities is a big priority for GMP and I hope today shows the people of Manchester just how seriously we are committed to this cause. About 130 people were briefed by Mr Fahy at the Ethiad stadium at 04:30 GMT, before they and 1,000 officers set off for the raids.
"Drugs are a major driving force behind many other crimes such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, and that is why we are determined to root out all those involved in this trade, from the addicts to the sellers to those who are bringing the drugs in. 'Children screaming'
"Today's strikes have taken months in the planning and will have caused significant disruption to the users and suppliers of illegal drugs in Manchester. With the public's help, this work will continue." Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, the chief constable said: "It is about Greater Manchester Police being very open about the tactics that we use.
"The reality is we are going into a house early in the morning - we are breaking down a door and you can hear children screaming because they are obviously frightened - to arrest people who are involved in dealing in class A drugs."
He added: "It is really important we show we are with local people who are complaining about drug dealing and they can see the tactics we are using."
One local resident on the raids told the BBC it was "interesting" and helped put her mind at rest.
Labour councillor Mary Murphy, who represents Hulme on Manchester City Council, said it was the largest raid she had ever witnessed.
She said it was "amazing" to see so many members of the community going along to witness the events.