House forcibly closed after raid uncovers weapons

A house in Wolverhampton has been forcibly closed after a firearm, ammunition and drugs were recovered during a police raid.

West Midlands Police said its officers declared a critical incident after encountering "a hostile and violent response" when they executed a warrant at a residential property in Dickens Road.

A quantity of suspected class A drugs and other weapons were found leading to "a considerable number of additional officers and resources" being drafted in from across the area during the raid in February.

Following an application on behalf of the council by Wolverhampton Homes, Black Country Magistrates' Court closed the property down earlier this month, the authority said.

The order was sought after "clear evidence of serious criminality conducted at the property".

Wolverhampton Homes Anti-Social Behaviour Team worked with police to apply for a closure order to immediately shut off the premises to prevent further criminality and potential disorder taking place, the council said.

The order forbids anyone, including all residents of the property, to enter it for three months. Any breach can result in a fine or imprisonment.

The council's homeless team is supporting the residents to secure alternative accommodation, the authority said.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for digital and community, said tackling anti-social behaviour was a priority.

Insp Chris Turner said: "We are committed to reducing anti-social and criminal behaviour across the neighbourhood and we understand the distress and disruption such issues can cause people living locally.

"We always urge people to get in touch if they have concerns or information about criminal activity, as we will always seek to act on the information we receive."

Four people remain on police bail and the investigation continues, a force spokesperson said.

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