THREE people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences in St Paul's in Cheltenham today (Tuesday).

Responding to community concern around drug dealing in Clarence Square, Marle Hill Parade, Marle Hill Road and Swindon Road, Cheltenham police officers descended on the area at around 11am.

A 16-year-old boy from London, a 25-year-old Gloucester woman and a 36-year-old Gloucester man were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and remain in police custody.

Small quantities of suspected crack cocaine and heroin were recovered as part of the investigation and are now being analysed.

A number of people were searched and a suspected stolen laptop was recovered.

Other people were stopped and asked to account for their presence in the area.

Sergeant Julia Martin-Jones said: "This was raised at a community meeting in the last week and we have taken action almost immediately.

"I hope it shows local residents we are listening and understand their concerns.

"I also hope it encourages more people to get in contact with us to tell us about any issues, either at Hester's Way police station or local meetings. Alternatively you can call us via 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk."