Dawn raids were carried out on a estate in Little Lever today.

Neighbourhood officers joined specialist policing teams as part of an operation tackling burglary and robbery in the area.

Three boys were arrested.

Residents reported a large police presence in the Dove Bank estate area at around 7am.

The Bolton News has previously been told the estate is becoming a no go area.

The operation involved officers from the Bolton North Neighbourhood and Neighbourhood Priority Crime teams.

Officers say it was part of a planned policing operation directly in response to burglary and robbery offences that have occurred in the Little Lever area.

The three boys are aged 16 and 12.

They remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Sergeant Carla Deighton, from GMP's Bolton district, said: “There have been a number of incidents reported to the police over the last few weeks and officers have been working to investigate these matters and identify those responsible."

She said she wanted to 'reassure the community that we are taking these matters seriously".

READ MORE: Takeaway driver attacked on Dove Bank Estate

Residents pack meeting over crime fears in their area

The raid happened a day after residents packed a meeting about a spate of crime in the area.

Ward councillor Sean Hornby told The Bolton News: "I was informed about the police operation following the raid.

"At last we are seeing some form of policing taking place.

"Our community deserves to live safely as it used to be be and I hope this is the start of a much bigger operation to make our community safe as it deserves and expects."

More to follow