POLICE discovered bags containing what was thought to be cannabis in a raid on a flat in Witney.

At around 11am today, a police officer wearing a stab vest used a red battering ram to break down the door of a ground floor flat in Lowell Place.

An officer holding a riot shield entered the flat, followed by four officers wearing helmets and protective uniforms.

Plain clothes officers helped to comb the flat and an outbuilding for about half an hour.

A total of 11 police officers searched the property, while four Police Community Support Officers spoke to neighbours.

Around 10 small bags of suspected cannabis were found, along with smoking devices and two cannabis grinders.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Susan Moore, 78, who lives nearby, said: “Drug taking goes on a lot around here, but it has only started recently. Until two years ago, there were no problems.

“The police are here a lot, at night mostly.

“I am pleased they are doing something about it. It worries me stiff sometimes.”

Pc Kim Durrant, of Witney Neighbourhood Team, led the operation.

She said: “We are pleased that it was a positive result.”

The raid was part of Operation Confidence, which is currently running in the town.

Pc Durrant urged people to contact police if they see or hear anything suspicious in their neighbourhoods.

Anyone with information can call police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.