TWO people have been arrested as police raided homes in Andover yesterday.

Addresses at Corunna Main and Roman Way were searched as part of an operation into the criminal exploitation of children on December 5.

Police arrested a 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, both from Andover, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

They have both been released from custody but remain under investigation.

The officers from Hampshire Constabulary's missing and exploited team also seized suspected Class A drugs and cash.

The team aims to safeguard young people believed to be at risk of exploitation, target criminals and manage missing people.

The operation focused on the potential exploitation of children for the purposes of drugs supply in Andover.

Detective Inspector Ross Toms, from the Missing and Exploited Team, said: “Our priority is to keep young or vulnerable people safe, and as part of this operation, plans were put in place to safeguard children.

“If you choose to use children to supply drugs, or exploit them for any other criminal purpose, then we will investigate you to pursue a conviction wherever possible.

“I would also like to encourage all parents, teachers and others who work with young people to be aware of the signs of child criminal exploitation.

“We rely on information from the public to be able to carry out operations like this one.

“If you believe a child is being exploited for criminal purposes, contact us or one of our partners.

“Even small pieces of information can help us build a picture of what is happening and identify any opportunities for action.”

To contact the police, call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.

For advice on the signs of child criminal exploitation, visit safe4me.co.uk