Suspect spent the night in cells with the help of police dog Hector

Five suspects found themselves in a police cell after members of the public and a police dog helped officers dismantle a sophisticated drugs operation.

Officers were alerted to suspicious activity taking place on Claremont Terrace in Blyth on Tuesday night, when a member of the public reported a group of people equipped with a ladder clambering through a window of an address.

Within minutes from the call being made, officers descended on the property, which housed a large cannabis farm with several hundred plants.

Three people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs.

A further suspect allegedly made off on foot but police dog Hector and his handler managed to scour the area and locate the fourth man who matched police description.

He was placed under arrest, while enquiries led police to another address nearby where a second cannabis farm was found.

The woman inside the property was also brought into custody.

Sergeant Adam Fegan of Northumbria Police’s Dog Section said: “I want to thank the member of the public who spotted something they believed to be suspicious and absolutely did the right thing by getting in touch.

“Thanks to their detailed report, we were able to send officers to the scene within minutes and make a number of arrests – as well as locate two suspected drug operations.

“This positive and swift outcome is the result of some fantastic teamwork between officers, the public and of course PD Hector, who earned plenty of treats after his shift. “This is another case that highlights the outstanding contribution of our police animals to every-day policing as we all endeavour to ensure the North East remains as safe a place as it possibly can be. “We hope this robust response reassures the public and highlights the dedication of our officers and animals to keep you safe.”