Armed raids as National Crime Agency hits addresses across Merseyside

The UK's lead agency against organised crime is carrying out armed raids at addresses across Merseyside.

This morning , armed officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) have been seen at an address in Newton, near West Kirby.

Witnesses said they have seen as many as 10 armed officers - with others claiming to have seen a 'police sniper on the roof of a van.'

Some of the officers' guns were pointing at a house, according to witnesses.

When asked about the incident, Merseyside Police said it was being led by the National Crime Agency.

And when we contacted the NCA, they told us that the Newton incident is one of a number across Merseyside today.

(Vikki Thomas)

A National Crime Agency spokesman said: “Arrests and searches as part of a National Crime Agency investigation, supported by Merseyside Police, are currently underway at addresses across Merseyside.”

"We are currently unable to comment further but plan to issue an update later."

This is a breaking story and we will continue to update you with any information we have on the NCA operation as we get it.