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Tonight around 200 police officers have conducted a coordinated raid in the Orts Road area in Newtown making multiple arrests and seizing a large quantity of drugs.

The sting took place at around 11pm and involved the police helicopter, plain clothed officers and several riot vans full of Thames Valley Police officers from Reading and the surrounding area.

Simultaneous warrants were executed at 16 addresses in the area around Orts Road and Arthur Place and battering rams were used to smash through doors and gain entry to flats. 25 arrests were made.

Superintendent Stuart Greenfield, commander of Reading police, said: “Following months of work a number of arrests have been made and we have seized a significant amount of property.

“When I became the police commander for Reading drug dealing in this part of town was identified as a real quality of life issue for local residents and the business community and I hope that the activity tonight shows Thames Valley Police’s commitment to tackling such issues.

“However, this is not a quick fix and I would like to reassure the community that we, along with partner agencies such as Reading Borough Council, have a long term strategy for the area which residents will see and hear more of in the coming weeks.”

Police are still on the scene making arrests, seizing property including drugs and cash and carry-ing out forensic tests.

More information and dramatic footage of the raid will appear on getreading later today.

