Staffordshire Police have asked for residents to help them in their work against county lines drug dealing activity.

Police say that "information from witnesses and local communities is vital" when it comes to tackling this sort of crime, as it can help them arrest and prosecute gang members and those taking part in organised crime.

Officers say they also want to help steer young people away from crime, and have asked for the public to inform the police if they are worried that someone they know might be involved in county lines activity.

Biddulph Nub News reported recently how police responded to concerns that parts of Biddulph were "blighted by low level drug dealing".

A report presented to Staffordshire Moorlands District Councillors at a recent meeting informed members on how officers had tackled a "brief series of drug related violent incidents" in Biddulph last summer.

Officers' action against drug dealing in the town included a raid on properties in September, where scales, cash and white powder were found.

In the same month, seven were arrested after officers were called to reports of teens with bladed weapons.

Helen Hill, campaigns officer for Staffordshire Police, said: "The term County Lines describes gangs and organised criminal networks involved in moving illegal drugs into other areas of the country, often smaller areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines known as 'deal lines.'

"Dealers will take orders from drug users through mobile phones and take advantage of children and vulnerable people to move and store drugs and money. Often they do this through blackmail, intimidation and violence.

"We are committed to cracking down on this crime and information from witnesses and local communities is vital if we are to obtain the evidence needed to arrest and prosecute members of organised crime gangs. You can call Crimestoppers anonymously 24 hours a day by dialling 0800 555 111.

"We also want to identify young people who are at risk of criminality, so we can help divert them away from criminal exploitation. If you are worried that someone you know is involved in County Lines activity there is more information on spotting the signs and how you can report on our website."

For more information, visit the Staffordshire Police website here.