POLICE have hailed the latest targeted Barnsley operation a success.

Officers and local partners joined together yesterday when over 170 officers, staff and local partners came together in Barnsley resulting in a total of nine arrests.

Throughout the day, officers and staff took to the streets of Barnsley as they worked alongside Barnsley Council, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the NHS to focus on the issues of child exploitation, neighbourhood crime and organised crime.

Individuals believed to be involved in criminality had a very early wake up call from as morning search warrants were executed across the district at a number of properties within the town centre, New Lodge and Honeywell areas. Quantities of Class A and Class B drugs were found at four of the properties, and three arrests were made.

A further six suspects were arrested throughout the day for a range of other offences, including public order, rape, threats to kill, possession of an offensive weapon, shoplifting, handling stolen goods and immigration offences.