Five arrests, £10k of drugs, cash and a gun - police storm homes in dawn raids across Manchester

Five men have been arrested in police raids in Manchester - which saw cops find £10,000-worth of Class A drugs, cash and a 'potentially lethal' suspected gun.

Officers from GMP's City of Manchester Division - the Intelligence Development Unit, Operation Challenger and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit - executed warrants at five addresses across the city this morning (Thursday).

During the raids, part of Operation Apostle, five men - aged between 23 and 59 - were arrested on suspicion of drugs and firearm offences, and money laundering offences.

The operation form part of an investigation into organised crime and drug dealing (GMP)

They remain in custody for questioning.

At around 5am, officers searched the properties in Hulme, Moss Side and Manchester.

They recovered class A drugs believed to be worth around £10,000, along with £2,000 worth of cash, and a suspected firearm.

Five homes across Hulme, Moss Side and Manchester were searched this morning (GMP)

The activity forms part of an investigation into organised crime, possession of firearms and drug dealing.

Chief Inspector John Harris of GMP's City of Manchester Division, said: "The early morning police activity today has been the culmination of a great team effort.

Five men were arrested as part of the operation (GMP)

"Over a period of time officers have been gathering intelligence and evidence, leading to the activity today where we have been able to continue to enforce, intervene and tackle organised crime in Hulme, Moss Side and the wider Manchester area.

"Today we have been able to recover a potentially lethal weapon, a significant quantity of drugs, and an amount of cash.

"This is another positive step forward in our commitment to ensuring the community are kept safe and that the risk of harm is reduced.

Class A drugs, cash and a 'potentially lethal' firearm were recovered (GMP)

“A lot of unseen work has gone into the preparation of today's activity to disrupt and dismantle organised criminal activity, and our investigations will continue.

"Officers often rely on the intelligence and information received from members of the community, so I would encourage anyone with any information or concern to contact the police, whether in person, by telephone on 0161 856 4428, online www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."