TWO men were arrested as part of a “robust and relentless” police operation.

Police in Barrow flooded the Ormsgill area in an attempt to disturb and disrupt drug menaces.

The results of the operation have now been revealed.

A 60-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were arrested, as well as a number of referrals being issued for alcohol and drug dependency.

Inspector Matt Pearman said: “This was a successful operation that allowed us to proactively approach the community issues raised by residents during a recent StreetSafe initiative.

“The work that we did on Friday is only a small element of what we are doing with partners from the county council and borough council in response to the concerns of those we have spoken to.

“We will continue to listen to the community of Ormsgill, and the Barrow community more widely, to address the policing issues that matter to them.

“We will always tackle criminality robustly and relentlessly.”

A 60-year-old man was arrested after failing to provide a roadside test, although he has since been released without further charge.

Another man, a 19-year-old, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage during the operation and has been bailed.

The operation also saw two cannabis warnings given, with the drug confiscated by officers, while four referrals were made to the Cumbrian Partnership Liaison and Diversion team.

The team, based in Barrow police station, addresses drug and alcohol dependency as well as mental and medical health needs.

Having started last year, the team ensures those in need have support and are able to get help they need to overcome drug and alcohol problems.

Peter McCall, police and crime commissioner for Cumbria, said: “Operations such as this are a great way to get a clear message out to would-be criminals that Cumbria police will not tolerate criminal or anti-social activities. We will proactively seek criminals out.

“By listening to, and working with, our partners, together we will take criminals out of our communities.”

The operation included the use of officers on foot, in vans and on mountain bikes, as well as the using a drone and police dogs.

The aim of the operation was to deter instances of criminality and anti-social behaviour.

This included drug-dealing and taking, with a crucial focus on the Ormsgill Quarry area, with the drone in flight and prepared to track any drug dealers fleeing the scene.

PC Paul Williams said: “It was a proactive, multi-agency operation to engage with the community and let them know we are there.

“We're looking to get more intelligence and hopefully Friday will lead to more.

“It's quite a high-profile operation and one of the reasons is that if the people see lots of bobbies on the street they feel reassured.”

It was the second of its type by Cumbria police in Barrow, with a smaller operation late last year.

Sergeant Jim Bailey said: “We did a smaller operation three or four months ago and we wanted to build on the back of that.

“If there is a problem here we want to stamp it out before it gets out of hand.

“I want to make Ormsgill better.”