Police in Hereford have made a number of arrests as part of an operation to tackle the supply of drugs in the city.

The arrests come after two stabbings at an address the Belmont area on Thursday, 16 May.

As part of the investigation into the attacks, information has come to light which has prompted a linked inquiry into Hereford's drug supply, resulting in a number of warrants being executed at addresses in the city and Ross-on-Wye under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The raids have seen a total of 13 people arrested over the last eight days on suspicion of committing various drugs offences. The majority have been released on police bail, with strict conditions in place.

A variety of substances – believed to be Class A and Class B drugs – were seized from the properties and are currently being tested to establish exactly what they are.

Detective Inspector Martyn Barnes from Hereford CID said: "The main aim of this operation has been to disrupt supply of drugs into Hereford and to send a clear message to those we suspect of being involved in drug dealing that we will not tolerate it."Drugs cause widespread harm not only to users and their families but also, to the wider community, and tackling drugs remains a priority for us here in Herefordshire.

"In addition to targeted operations like this, we regularly work with our partner agencies to offer support where needed and to help educate people about drug misuse.

"We hope this operation reassures local people that positive action has been taken in respect of wider issues which have emerged as a result of the stabbings and shows that the police are taking a proactive approach to tackling the supply and misuse of drugs in our communities."

Anyone with information on drug dealing in their area can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 51-year-old man, Andrew Grubb of Thomas Close, Hereford, has previously appeared in court charged with two counts of attempted murder in connection with the stabbings which happened on May 16th. He has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, affray, and aggravated burglary.

Another man arrested over the attacks has been released on police bail.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.