POLICE arrested two people for possession of illegal drugs yesterday in a series of raids at houses on an Oxford estate.

More than 60 officers were involved in the day-long operation in Barton, led by Sgt Yak Teladia.

More than a dozen officers forced their way into a house in Bayswater Road shortly before 8am.

Officers wearing riot gear smashed through the red front door before carrying out a search of the property and cars parked outside for more than an hour.

A 46-year-old woman living at the house was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs and handling stolen goods. She was later released on police bail.

Residents living in the area welcomed the operation, dubbed Operation Barmkin by police.

One father-of-three, who asked not be be named, said the street regularly attracted visits from unsavoury characters at all hours.

He said: “We’ve had enough – there are quite a few people who’ve had enough. It’s getting beyond a joke.”

Later yesterday morning, police also raided homes in Brome Place and Stowford Road.

A 49-year-old man living in Brome Place was also arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs and released on police bail.

Sgt Teladia said he felt the operation had been a success.

He said: “We’re trying to tackle drugs on the estate.

“We aim to prosecute anyone arrested in relation to drugs and we want to reassure the community that there’s a big police presence on the estate.

“We hope members of the public continue to tell us about suspected drug dealers. Local intelligence is vital.”

A spokesman for Oxford City Council said last night: “Tenants who use their properties for illegal activity are in breach of their tenancy agreement.

“If there are any convictions, action will be taken against tenancy holders."

After the raids, officers carried out ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) checks in Bayswater Road until 8pm.

PCSOs also leafleted every house on the estate with information about the operation and to encourage them to support tomorrow's (Saturday) community action day, taking place at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre from 10am to 4pm.

There will be music, dancing and sports activities.

The police will also be offering cyclists the opportunity to have bicycles postcoded, which helps efforts to trace the owner if bikes are stolen.