A SUSPECTED teenage drug dealer was arrested, surrounded by weapons and drugs paraphernalia.

Police bashed down the door of a property in Hilton Road Canvey, just after 7am yesterday in a joint operation between the community policing team and the Operation Raptor drugs squad.

A 16-year-old boy was soon arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Officers also seized a machete, a knuckleduster, cash and items used for preparing and using drugs.

Sgt Victoria Jarvis, from the Castle Point and Rochford community policing team, said: “We are pleased with this positive outcome as it has taken weapons off the street and has resulted in an arrest.”

Sgt Jarvis said there was one person inside the address. She added that there were knives left out across a table and a machete, as well cannabis.

She said: “We urge those that have information to call police, report online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 as often we need to receive this information from the public to build up a picture of the activity taking place.

“If the public do not tell us we don’t always know what is happening, therefore we need the public’s help in order to deal with people committing crime.”

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It was a bit of a drama. There was no waning from the police or anything. They just started bashing away at the door.

“They brought someone out but I don’t know who they were. It was not the usual thing you expect first thing in the morning.”

The warrant was executed as part of Operation Busby, which has been launched in the area to target drug dealing and gangs.

Police have had extra resources on Canvey, including traffic operations, plain-clothed officers on patrol as well as high visibility patrols in specific areas to target drug dealers.

The community policing team will be working with the housing association and the council to ensure the community feel safer and the persons involved are dealt with. The 16-year-old was still in custody at time of going to press.