A week-long crackdown targeting drug dealing gangs in Essex has led to 13 arrests.

Police forces across the UK took part in the week of action from Monday, October 8, to Sunday, October 14, targeting ‘county lines’.

In Essex, it led to the arrest of 13 people, including a 13-year-old boy, for a range of offences from possession of drugs with intent to supply to burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

Heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis were also seized along with weapons including a six knives, a knuckle duster and an axe.

Police also seized almost £1,000 in cash.

County lines are gangs of drug dealers from large urban areas who run drug dealing networks into towns, coastal and rural areas in nearby counties.

Police say dealers involved in county lines use a mobile phone line to supply drugs to customers.

Operation Raptor teams in Essex executed warrants, carried out high visibility patrols and arrested known and wanted drug dealers as part of the crackdown.

Officers also used ANPR cameras to target those travelling into the county to commit crimes.

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.