ARMED police raided a Droitwich house after finding a firearm as officers swooped to make a series of drugs arrests.

Several arrests for drugs and weapons offences have been made in Worcester and Droitwich over the course of this week.

Officers recovered a pistol and cocaine from a car in Ploughman's Way, Droitwich on Tuesday.

As a result of that intelligence armed police from West Mercia's Priority CID raided an address in the same road at around 1.45pm.

A suspected firearm (pistol), a quantity of suspected Class A drugs (cocaine) and cash were recovered.

Firearms officers attended to make the weapon safe and ensure the safety of officers and the public whilst executing the warrant.

Following examination the firearm is now known to be an imitation.

A 23-year-old woman from Oldbury was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm in a public place and possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

She was released on police bail until June 3 pending further enquiries.

A 24-year-old man from Droitwich was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm in a public place, and possessing a class A drugs with intent to supply. He was also released on police bail until June 3 pending further enquiries.

Around 15 officers in personal protective equipment were involved in the warrant.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "It is still an offence to have one (imitation firearm) in public.

"Armed officers were used to ensure the safety of the public and officers executing the warrant.

"There was no threat to anyone with the weapon."

Shortly after 11am on Tuesday (April 26) officers arrested a 36-year-old man in Shaw Road, Worcester, for breach of bail conditions.

Richard Yeates, aged 36 of Barbourne Road, Worcester, was charged with possession of a Class A drug and remanded in custody.

He appeared before Redditch Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

As part of these enquiries two additional arrests were made. Steven Rufini, aged 52, of Broad Street, Worcester was charged with possession of a Class A drug and released on bail to appear before Worcester Magistrates' Court on May 27.

Another male suspect remains on police bail having being arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.

At approximately 11.40am on Tuesday (April 26), officers arrested four men on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons on the Rushock Trading Estate, Droitwich.

David Anthony Hodgkins, aged 34 of Elmley Close, Kidderminster, was charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and was released on bail to appear before Worcester Magistrates' Court on May 27.

Kieron James Hodgkins, aged 22 of Whittall Drive East, Kidderminster was charged with obstructing a police constable in execution of duty, using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He was released on bail to appear before Worcester Magistrates' Court on May 27.

A 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old man, both from Kidderminster, were released without further action.

Shortly before 1pm on Thursday (April 28), officers stopped a vehicle on the A38, Droitwich to conduct a search.

A quantity of what is believed to be class A drugs were recovered.

A 63-year-old man, a 35-year-old man, and a 32-year-old woman, all from Worcester, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A substance with intent to supply.

They were released on police bail until June 7 while enquiries continue.