Three people were arrested after a drugs dog was used to search pub-goers and clubbers in East Oxford and Cowley.

A total of 25 people were searched last Saturday, after black Labrador Benson indicated they may have drugs.

The arrests were for suspected possession of Class A drugs; six people were cautioned for possession of cannabis and there were also four public order offences.

A number of other people searched said they had taken drugs within the past two hours.

Benson was accompanied by his handler Phil Munt, director of Corporate Search Limited, Nightsafe manager Karen Crossan and police officers.

Ms Crossan said: "Benson is trained to work through a static crowd and check large numbers of people within minutes.

"He indicates by sitting next to his handler if he can smell any trace of drugs on a person. They would then be searched by the police officers.

"The public were very interested in our team and what we were doing and we had very positive feedback from them and the licensees."

Sgt Paul Sexton said: "A clear message has been sent to the owners of licensed premises that we will be working with Nightsafe to combat illegal drug activity and antisocial behaviour on their premises."