10 people arrested in early morning gun and drugs raids

Officers have today (1^st July) conducted 11 simultaneous raids at addresses in Dingle in response to gun crime and drug dealing.

The warrants are in relation to an organised crime group involved in the supply of Class B drugs. They are also believed to be responsible for three shootings which occurred in December last year and January this year on Dingle Lane, Sunbridge Street and Beloe Street.

10 people aged 15 to 28 have been arrested for offences including conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess ammunition, conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. They have been taken to custody for questioning.

The day began early doors with a briefing at 5:15am at our Operational Command Centre. Following this, our Armed Response Officers headed to addresses across Dingle to carry out the raids.

The warrants were executed simultaneously at 6:50am where 10 people were arrested (breakdown below):

• A 17 year old man from Aigburth Road,
• A 17 year old man from Upper Warwick Street,
• A 20 year old man from Bewey Close,
• A 15 year old boy from Edge Lane, 
• A 19 year old man from Amity Street,
• A 16 year old boy from Grafton Street,
• A 18 year old man from Llanrwst Close,
• A 25 year old man from Copperfield Close,
• A 20 year old man from Halewood Road,
• A 28 year old man from HMP Altcourse.

DCI Matt Smith said “This morning’s raids have been about targeting a specific drug dealing group in Dingle who we believe are linked to multiple shootings in the area which occurred at the start of this year.

“We have been carrying out investigations into this particular group for 6 months. During which, the community have also given us vital information that has ultimately helped us piece together our case against these individuals.

“We know that some members of the community might think class b drug dealing isn’t that bad but today’s activity shows how criminality can escalate.

“Those attested today have caused fear in our communities for a prolonged time and it is only down to luck that no one was fatally injured as a result of their actions.

“Removing them from our streets means that the wider community can live and grow up in a safer environment and I’d urge anyone that knows someone involved in crime to get in touch.

“I do understand that people may not want to speak directly to us, it must be scary living near someone that is involved in crime but that shouldn’t stop you reaching out and doing the right thing. You can speak to our partners to who can share information with us.

“OCG members not only target each other but they also bring potential harm against your family members and your friends. So to anyone that is involved in this sort of crime, please think twice about who you are putting in danger.

“I am keen that anyone else that knows someone involved in crime gets in touch so we can take dangerous people off the streets.”

Anyone that knows someone involved in gun crime should get in touch immediately. Guns are deadly weapons and those harbouring them are incredibly stupid. Help us keep Merseyside as safe as it can be.

Report via 101 – DM us on social media @MerPolCC – call Crimestoppers anonymously.