Residents who tipped off police about drug dealing in their community have been taken out on early morning raids.

On Tuesday 23 suspected drug dealers were arrested in the two counties, after 30 homes were targeted by more than 250 officers in Lancashire and Merseyside.

Officers from Lancashire Constabulary and Merseyside Police joined forces for the second phase of "Operation Insight".

The first phase of the anti-drug operation led to more than 45 arrests last month.

To the dealers, we will find you - there will be nowhere to hide

Superintendent Peter Brinkley

A Lancashire police spokeswoman said the latest raids, in Skelmersdale, led to 11 arrests.

"These raids were made possible through information the officers received from local communities," she said.

"[The officers] were accompanied by a number of residents who were able to observe officers executing warrants and making arrests in their area."

A further 12 suspects were arrested in the Kirkby area of Liverpool, Merseyside Police confirmed.

Superintendent Peter Brinkley, who led the operation, said communities are the key factor in assisting the police work.

'Positive Impact'

He pledged: "To our communities, we will continue to use the information you give us to flush out the dealers and remove them from the streets.

"And to the dealers, we will find you - there will be nowhere to hide."

Various agencies funded the operation, including Knowsley's Drug Action Team, which said the operations are having a "positive impact".