'Locals applaud' as police smash down doors of suspected drug den

Those living close to a suspected 'drugs den' in Wigan cheered as officers raided it, police claim.

In the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, May 31) a warrant was executed at the address on Thorburn Road in the Pemberton area of the town, which Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say is 'suspected to be involved with drug dealing.'

As officers from Wigan’s Challenger Organised Crime Team, supported by Neighbourhood Officers, smashed the door down in the early hours, the force said that 'from across the street, members of the public cheered and welcomed police presence as officers listened to their concerns and collected valuable intelligence.'

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Chiefs say that they were clearly 'exasperated with the anti-social behaviour and brazen drug dealing in their community, and they were grateful for our presence today.'

A 53-year-old woman was interviewed under caution of suspicion of drugs offences, GMP said.

In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst from the Challenger Team said: “From speaking with local residents, it’s clear to see they are exasperated with the anti-social behaviour and brazen drug dealing in their community, and they were grateful for our presence today.

“My team are committed to tackling the organised crime that is blighting our communities and destroying the lives of vulnerable people.

"By working with partners from across the borough and afar, we can bring intelligence together and combine skills and powers to target the criminals at every level and safeguard the community.

“We want local people to get involved and to keep talking to us, sharing concerns, and reporting suspicious behaviour so