A TOWN centre pub was closed last night after its landlord and nine others were arrested following a police raid.

A team of officers swooped on the George pub on Great Moor Street, at about 2pm yesterday, as part of the recently launched Christmas crime crackdown, Operation Amber.

Today a police spokesman confirmed that eight people, including landlord Martin Halls, had been charged in connection with the raid.

Mr Halls was due before Bolton magistrates today charged with allowing the premises to be used for drug use.

Customs and Excise officers have also been contacted by officers from Bolton Central's operational support unit - who led the raid - after suspected duty-free tobacco was recovered from the premises.

It is understood environmental health officers were also contacted, but were unable to inspect the premises last night while the police investigation continued. A council team was due to visit later today.

Today Supt Don Brown, of Bolton Central police station, said: "This is part of an ongoing crackdown on crime under our Christmas operation."

Two others, who were arrested during the raid, have been released without charge pending further police inquiries. A TOWN centre pub was closed last night after its landlord and nine others were arrested following a police raid.

A team of officers swooped on the George pub on Great Moor Street, at about 2pm yesterday, as part of the recently launched Christmas crime crackdown, Operation Amber.

Today a police spokesman confirmed that eight people, including landlord Martin Halls, had been charged in connection with the raid.

Mr Halls was due before Bolton magistrates today charged with allowing the premises to be used for drug use.

Customs and Excise officers have also been contacted by officers from Bolton Central's operational support unit - who led the raid - after suspected duty-free tobacco was recovered from the premises.

It is understood environmental health officers were called to the pub and served a special notice, effectively closing it for business.

Today Supt Don Brown, of Bolton Central police station, said: "This is part of an ongoing crackdown on crime under our Christmas operation."

Two others, who were arrested during the raid, have been released without charge pending further police inquiries.