POLICE used a chainsaw to cut their way into a Worcester flat where they subdued snarling guard dogs to arrest three suspected drug dealers in a 'shock and awe' raid.

The elite officers, kitted out in balaclavas, helmets and protective gear, cut a hole in the door and then battered their way into the ground floor flat in Randwick Drive, Warndon, at around 3.30pm today (Wednesday).

The raid, attended by a Worcester News reporter and photographer, was led by eight officers from the elite Task Force acting on intelligence gathered by local police.

Upon entry officers had to fend off two Staffordshire Bull Terriers using a dog attack deterrent spray called "bite back" to subdue them to prevent any of the officers being bitten.

They arrested three people in their 30s (two men and one woman) on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. The suspects were handcuffed and taken away to Worcester Police Station in Castle Street for questioning.

It was a two-pronged raid with some officers entering through a front window and the others going around the back, smashing their way through the door using a chainsaw and a heavy battering ram called an enforcer so all avenues of escape were cut off. The shock and awe rapid entry took seconds and involved around 20 officers.

They also battered open an interior door to ensure there was no opportunity for drugs to be disposed of before they conducted their search.

It is understood suspicious substances were found on the body of the woman who was arrested. They will  be tested at the station and at a laboratory. The confiscated substances were put in evidence bags and taken away.

PC Wayne Hurley of the Warndon Safer Neighbourhood Team at West Mercia Police said: "It was a good result today. It is all intelligence-based policing. It is a priority for this area that we tackle drugs.

"It has been identified by police, partners and members of the public as the biggest issue we need to be dealing with in Warndon. We take all reports of drugs very seriously.

"We have been developing intelligence which led to the successful application for a warrant to the magistrates court and the execution of that warrant has been very smooth. We are trying to be more proactive in responding to the public and their concerns."

He said of the method of entry by chainsaw that it was 'impactive' but also ensures maximum safety for the officers and those inside the building.

Detective sergeant Jamie Francis said the raid was part of Operation Fuchsia which he said was to show that police would not tolerate drugs, burglaries, thefts or anti-social behaviour. He said the chainsaw was used on composite doors and it was 'the safest and quickest' means of entry.

A member of Task Force who declined to be named said: "It sends a message to people who are dealing drugs. They see they will be dealt with robustly. It was a two-pronged entry. Then we know they aren't going anywhere."

He said they were always mindful of children when carrying out an entry warrant of this kind.

To ensure a thorough search police sent in a sniffer dog called Charlie, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Labrador cross, with handler PC Sandie Hale. Officers also used a Hooligan bar to prise open an outside storage cupboard, though no suspicious substances were found inside.

Officers encourage those who have suspicion of drugs activity to call West Mercia Police on their non-emergency number, 101.