CRACK pipes, heroin needles and drug paraphernalia litter the inside of a house at Bernwood Road, in Barton, Oxford.

For up to ten years the neglected house has been a refuge for dealers and users and the cause of misery and intimidation for its neighbours.

Pictures taken by Thames Valley Police show the extent of drug use and damage caused to the home before its tenants were evicted this week.

A court order has closed the home for three months and ordered Graham Chiswell, 50, and Vicky Collins, 26, to move out.

Last week, Oxford Magistrates' Court was told that the city council-owned house had become a den for drug users and prostitutes.

The photos also show holes made in the walls and knives kept under cushions on sofas in the house.

There is also a box of needles, scattered syringes on a window-sill, a spoon used to heat heroin and pipes to smoke crack cocaine and cannabis.

Virtually every flat surface tested positive for traces of illegal drugs.

PC Rob Fisher, from the Barton neighbourhood police team, said: "Residents have had problems with this house for some time.

"People have been coming to use and sell drugs and used needles have been found in the area.

"As well as drug issues, there has been a lot of antisocial behaviour linked to the house, such as people intimidating other residents and making a lot of noise.

"There have also been reports of prostitution and the house itself is in a very bad state.

"All of these issues have an impact on the residents nearby.

"It raises fear of crime and is extremely unpleasant."

Police and Oxford City Council secured the closure order for the house last Thursday as part of Operation Falcon, which tackles drugs crime alongside the city council's drug caseworkers and the Crime and Nuisance Action Team (Canact).

Mr Chiswell, a heroin addict for the past 21 years, and his partner Miss Collins have been offered a care package, including drugs, health and housing.

They moved out of the property on Monday.

There was no evidence that the couple were dealing drugs from the house.

Mr Chiswell claimed that he had been taken advantage of by drug users and dealers.

Pc Fisher added: "We are able to close down houses where drug activity is taking place and this can stop the problems a particular address causes, instantly benefiting the local community.

"We make sure that the problem isn't simply pushed elsewhere and ensure that all the relevant services are in place for those who are evicted."

The house in Bernwood Road will now remain boarded up for three months.

It is at least the fourth drugs den closed down by police in Oxford in the past 18 months.

Steve Kilsby, of Canact, said: "I hope that this sends out a strong message that Oxford City Council will not tolerate this behaviour and will take action."