Nine people were arrested during cross border police raids in a crackdown on gold and jewellery stolen from the Asian community this morning (Wednesday, July 29).

Police have so far executed warrants at 18 addresses across Cheshire, Wrexham and Flintshire during a large scale joint operation involving 140 officers from North Wales Police, Cheshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police and West Mercia Police.

Those arrested so far are now being quizzed by detectives who have appealed for more information on the crime.

A North Wales Police spokesman said: “North Wales Police in a joint operation with Cheshire Constabulary have today conducted a number of warrants throughout Flintshire, Wrexham and Cheshire.

“The operation is in connection to domestic burglaries where high value Asian gold has been stolen, although other communities have also been victims.

“So far 18 addresses have been searched and nine people have been arrested.

“They will be interviewed in due course.

“This has been a large scale operation which demonstrates how seriously these offence are taken.”

He added: “We will pursue with vigour those who cause the greatest harm in our communities.”

North Wales Police have not revealed which addresses were targeted in the operation.

Members of the public had reported seeing a large officer presence outside Wrexham Police Station with the force helicopter flying above at about 7am.

Anyone with further information should contact police on 101.