POLICE arrested four people after storming into three properties during drugs raids across Newport yesterday afternoon.

Officers used a chainsaw, disk cutter and battering ram to force their way into one of the properties on Capel Crescent in Pill.

The steel-reinforced door broke the first chainsaw, but after officers used a disk cutter and smashed the door's window they managed to force their way in.

As smoke billowed from the front door, as officers used a chainsaw to weaken it before smashing it through, concerned neighbours gathered to watch the action unfold.

Six officers, clad in riot gear and carrying electrified riot shields, then searched the property for drugs.

At the same time drugs raids were also carried out at George Street Barbers and Ruperra Street in Pill.

Twenty five officers from the Area Support Unit (Support Group, Traffic Officers, Dog Section), as well as local officers and community support officers from Pill, took part in the raids.

Following a search of a number of addresses in the area, a quantity of Class B drugs were found and other items relating to the supply of drugs.

A police spokesman said: "Four people have been arrested following the warrants: a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs, and a 28-year-old woman and two men aged 21 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. Enquiries are ongoing."

Sergeant John Davies, speaking at the scene of the Capel Crescent raid, said they needed the equipment as the door was reinforced with steel.

"There was a very unusual steel plate in the top and sides of the door," he said.

Newport West Inspector Neil Muirhead said: “We have received complaints about anti-social behaviour and the suspected supply of drugs from these addresses from local residents. I’d like to thank local residents for their support which has helped with the information for these warrants today. If anyone has any information relating to the suspected supply or use of drugs in their local community, please call 101 to report it or speak to your local officers.”