More than 45 addresses have been raided by police in the North West as part of a major drugs surveillance operation.

The early morning raids on Tuesday were carried out as Merseyside and Lancashire Constabulary joined forces.

"Operation Insight" was set up to target suspected drug dealers and users on the border of the two counties.

Forty-five people were arrested as addresses in Knowsley, Liverpool and Skelmersdale, Lancashire were targeted.

People have sent us a clear message they do not want people who deal drugs to live among them

Superintendent Chris Weigh, Lancashire Constabulary

More than 400 police officers were involved in the operation, which resulted in the seizure of drugs including heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

The operation, co-ordinated by the Merseyside force, was made possible by intelligence sharing, support from drugs action teams and information from local residents.

Chief Superintendent Simon Byrne, Knowsley area commander, said neighbourhood policing had identified the need for the operation.

"It is all about reaching to the heart of our communities and responding to what people feel is important," he said.

'Encourage' residents

"We will never be complacent about drug dealing and both ourselves and our colleagues in Lancashire are determined to break the link between drugs and crime."

He said he hoped residents would be encouraged to continue helping police tackle crime in their communities.

Superintendent Chris Weigh, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "This has been an intelligence-led operation thanks to a great deal of support from the local community and our partner organisations.

"The people have sent us a very clear message that they do not want people who deal drugs to live among them."