This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-manchester-16039664

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Manchester and Salford drug raids watched by public Manchester and Salford drug raids watched by public
(about 2 hours 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, members of community groups, sixth-form students and business owners were taken in minibuses to see the raids in Manchester and Salford. Residents, members of community groups and sixth-form students were taken in minibuses to see the raids in Salford, Manchester, Stockport and Bolton.
Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "It is really important policing is accountable and open."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. Seventy two people have been arrested in the raids.
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. About 130 people were briefed by Mr Fahy at the Ethiad stadium at 04:30 GMT, before they and 1,000 officers set off with warrants for 100 properties.
'Children screaming' 'Really dramatic'
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 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." "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." "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. One local resident, Lee-Ann Igbon, said it was "really dramatic".
"It was really interesting getting the opportunity as part of the community to come on board and see what the police actually do."
She said it helped put her mind at rest, that police were tackling issues including drug dealing in her neighbourhood.
Labour councillor Mary Murphy, who represents Hulme on Manchester City Council, said it was the largest raid she had ever witnessed.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.She said it was "amazing" to see so many members of the community going along to witness the events.
A police spokeswoman said officers had found thousands of pounds in cash, class A drugs with a street value of £2,000, cannabis, jewellery and a batch of stolen meat.
Most of those arrested are being questioned on suspicion of supplying class A drugs. Others are being held on suspicion of supplying class C drugs and possession with intent to supply.