Cocaine and cannabis were seized in a series of dawn raids in Oxford today.

Thirteen people were arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled drugs, drug dealing and possessing a firearm after 10 homes in Blackbird Leys were searched.

About police 70 officers launched simultaneous raids on three flats in Warburg Crescent, a flat in Moorbank and a house in Field Avenue at 5am.

Over the following four hours police also entered homes in Emperor Gardens, Blackbird Leys Road, Birchfield Close, Long Ground and Whitethorn Way.

Seizures included a fist-sized lump of suspected crack cocaine, bags of what police believe is cannabis, an illegal pepper spray and a crossbow.

Insp Andy Storey said the operation, which was among the largest of its kind to take place in Oxford, was carried out after residents complained that drug dealing was rife.

He added: “We’ve found a lot of drugs which we’ve taken off the streets and have made a number of arrests.

“But it's also important that we have been out doing what the public wants us to do.”

Officers on police horses will be patrolling the estate today.