Hounslow's borough commander pulled on his flak jacket this morning to take part in a series of dawn raids at suspected crack houses across the borough.

Detective Chief Superintendent Carl Bussey joined more than 100 officers as they battered down the doors of homes in Hounslow, Heston, Chiswick and Feltham.

The raids were part of Operation Hammer, a borough-wide day of action targeting those believed to be involved in the supply of drugs.

Flats in Ivy Road, Hounslow, and Brabazon Road, in Cranford, were among the addresses searched during the day.

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As well as disrupting the flow of drugs in the borough, police were keen to show the public they would act on intelligence about drug dealing and associated antisocial behaviour.

At Ivy Road, officers said neighbours were 'hacked off' by people smashing in door panels to enter the premises, where they could be heard shouting at all hours of the night.

Sergeant Paul Smythe, who led the raids in Brabazon Road, said neighbours had complained about drugs and drugs paraphernalia being thrown from windows.

A police officer batters down the door of a flat in Ivy Road, Hounslow

Chief Inspector Jon Kennedy said: "The main reason for this day of action was to let people know when they give us information we will act on it.

"As well as disrupting the supply of drugs, we want to reassure people we do listen to and act upon their concerns about drug-dealing and antisocial behaviour."

Police said all those present at the addresses searched by police today were offered support from the iHEAR Partnership, which helps those affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

Police outside flats in Brabazon Road, Heston, during Operation Hammer
Police outside flats in Ivy Road, Hounslow, which were raided as part of Operation Hammer