Armed officers searched homes and arrested eight people and seized hundreds of wraps of Class A drugs - during early morning raids.

The homes across Southend, Leigh, Westcliff, Suffolk and Great Baddow were searched this morning.

Eight people have been arrested, including a teenager and two men who have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences.

Officers seized drugs from several addresses, including hundreds of wraps of what is believed to be a Class A substance.

A 23-year-old woman from Southend, arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.

A 25-year-old man from Southend, arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

A 16-year-old boy from Southend, arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and supplying a controlled drug.

A 19-year-old man from Westcliff, arrested at an address in Leigh-on-Sea, on suspicion of human trafficking and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

A 22-year-old man from Westcliff, arrested at the same address in Leigh, remains in custody on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

A 28-year-old man from Westcliff, arrested in the town, on suspicion of human trafficking and supplying controlled drugs.

A 16-year-old boy from Acton in Suffolk, who was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

A 22-year-old woman from Great Baddow has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We couldn’t do these operations without your continued support and the information we receive from local residents.

"Thank you for staying at home and keeping each other safe so that our officers can carry on with impactive jobs like this one.

"You can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk where you can also use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"Alternatively, you can call 101. Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111."