Police arrest 24 in town raids

Thousands of pounds of class A drugs have been seized by police and 24 people arrested in a major operation against serious crime across Shrewsbury.

More than 100 officers from West Mercia's Serious and Organised Crime Unit and Shropshire Division took part in two days of raids this week as the culmination of Operation Clear, which was launched last July.

Police targeted 24 premises - including the Rock and Fountain pub in Castle Foregate - and carried out raids across Meole Brace, Springfield, Castlefields, Castle Foregate and Abbey Foregate.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, head of Shropshire CID, said 18 premises were searched with a warrant. He said 120 drug offences were detected.

He said: "The operation went smoothly and we accomplished everything we set out to achieve. A total of 20 men and four women have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the drugs trade.

"They have been charged with supplying or being concerned in the supply of drugs, including crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin."

During the raids, police wrongly targeted the house of Kerry Chidley, of Berwick Avenue, battering down her door.

Today Mr Jamieson said: "We were acting on information from another agency and unfortunately that proved to be incorrect.

"We have apologised to the lady and will repair the damage."

Mr Jamieson said the search of the Rock and Fountain pub was the only one involving a commercial premises.

He said: "Subsequently a member of staff was arrested and has been charged with supplying controlled drugs. He was arrested at home."