POLICE uncovered a deadly weapons haul during early-morning raids in East Challow, near Wantage, yesterday.

Thirty six officers from Thames Valley Police were deployed on raids at Woodhill Caravan Park in Woodhill Lane and at a house in Letcombe Hill in the village.

The officers used warrants obtained under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The nine-weapon cache included two swords, an axe, three knives, a baton and a Batman-shaped throwing blade.

Eight weapons were under a bed in a caravan.

No drugs were found at either address and no arrests were made.

Det Sgt Paul Powell, who led yesterday’s raids – codenamed Operation Meander – said the items seized from the caravan park were being checked to see if they were stolen or prohibited.

He said: “It’s fair to say we were surprised to find this quantity of weapons, the majority of which were under one bed.

“It’s always nice to get weapons like that off the street and they should not be in the public arena.

“We haven’t found drugs this time, but that happens. They have a huge community impact and the police always act robustly when they are found.”

Area commander Chief Insp Andy Boyd said: “This is a pretty major haul. The positive thing is that these weapons are no longer on the street available to inflict injuries on others.”

The crackdown on criminal elements among travellers in the area has included raids in East Challow in December to recover stolen plant and farm machinery.

Ch Insp Boyd said several items were recovered, including a road roller, digger and water bowser.

He added: “Plant and farm machinery thefts will not be tolerated. This is the second time we have visited these sites in the last month.

“We are aware of an increase in this type of theft and urge anyone with information to come forward.

“Despite a drop of crime by 17 per cent in the Vale over the past year, this is a consistent problem.”

Anyone with details should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.