A TOTAL of four people were arrested in dawn raids on 10 homes across Bolton yesterday.

All were questioned by detectives.

Two men held on suspicion of drugs offences were released on police bail pending further investigations. Another arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods was also released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Another man appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court yesterday charged with an alleged breach of his bail conditions.

Police chiefs today hailed the operation as a success. They confirmed a quantity of property and goods, believed to have been stolen in burglaries at homes across Astley Bridge, were seized in the swoops early yesterday.

A quantity of illegal drugs was also uncovered. The substances were still being tested today.

Police teams executed warrants at 10 homes across Heaton, Halliwell and Astley Bridge. The strikes came as part of Operation Montague, designed to drive down levels of street crime and burglary.

Suspected drug dealers were also targeted in the early morning raids.

All the properties were searched.

Supt Kevin Mulligan, of Astley Bridge Police, said: "We are taking the fight to the criminals and so far operation Montague has been a big success.

"Criminals should know they will be arrested. There is nowhere for them to hide."