Criminals linked to county lines drug dealing have been targeted during a week of action across Cheshire.

Police arrested 18 men, including two teenagers, and six women on suspicion of drug offences.

A number of items were seized including drugs, believed to be worth more than £300,000, three knives, 19 mobile phones and £4,000 in cash.

Officers also visited 12 people, four women and eight men, who had been identified as vulnerable and at risk of exploitation by drug gangs. Officers worked with local authorities and charities to provide specialist support and advice.

At least 20 people were safeguarded during the week.

The week of action ran from October 11th – 17th and was part of a national focus co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

Detective Inspector Eli Atkinson said: "Protecting and preventing young children and vulnerable adults from organised crime gangs who go out of their way to exploit them is one of the force's top priorities.

"We work relentlessly with our partners to educate young children by visiting schools to give talks and presentations while we also identify and visit adults in our community who we think could be at risk.

"A lot of this work relies on the support of parents, guardians and residents in the local community. You are our eyes and ears. By learning the signs of criminal exploitation and talking to children about them can really help deter the cycle this criminality brings.

These are some of the signs for child and vulnerable adult exploitation to look out for:

• A child or young person going missing from school or home and travelling to market towns or rural areas
• The use of drugs and alcohol
• Having more money, new expensive clothes or accessories which they are unable to account for
• Forming relationships and meeting with controlling or older people or groups
• Carrying weapons
• Increase in visitors or cars to a house or flat
• People coming and going at odd times of the day and night
• Strange smells coming from the property (illegal drugs)

Police are urging people to be on the look-out for drug activity and to report it to Cheshire police on 101 or visit the website.

Information can also be provided by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.