Four people have been charged with drug offences after police raids were carried out.

Police raided various homes in the Southend borough on Wednesday.

The four warrants were executed by Southend’s Proactive Team and Operation Raptor South with assistance from the police's Operational Support Group (OSG) who tackle serious crimes across the county.

The warrants were part of the force's work in tackling county lines drug dealing in the area, and in London.

Properties were raided in Southernhay, in Eastwood, Lyme Road and Church View Road, in Southend, and Kingswood Chase in Leigh.

Sgt Adam Jarvis praised officers' work in the raids and said the action was "helping keep communities safe".

Following these raids, four people have been charged with various drug offences in connection to the incidents.

Oliver Cox, 20, of Clifton Avenue, Benfleet, has been charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

A 17-year-old from Eastwood and a two boys, age 16 and 17, from Southend, have been charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and possession of cannabis resin.

A 16-year-old from Leigh has been bailed until July 7.

They are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today.

Anyone with information about drugs crimes should call police on 101.