8 July 2010 Last updated at 10:36 ET

Suspected dangerous dogs seized in Worcester raids

Four men have been arrested and suspected dangerous dogs seized in raids on four properties in Worcester.

West Mercia Police said they searched two properties in Cranham Drive, one in Tolladine Road and one in Swaledale Court, all in Warndon, in relation to suspected dangerous dogs offences.

Five dogs and nine puppies, along with drugs and a BB gun, were seized, a spokesman said.

The animals will be destroyed if they breach the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Aggressive

Specialist officers from West Midlands Police trained in handling and identifying illegal dogs, assisted 30 officers from West Mercia Police.

The four men were all arrested on suspicion of committing drug-related offences, with two of them also arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal dog breeds.

Acting Sergeant Paul Green said: "We have taken this action in response to recent incidents of general criminality and anti-social behaviour in Warndon especially around Cranham Drive shops.

"Owning aggressive, pit bull-type dogs is tied in closely with this sort of anti-social behaviour as well as drug-related crime."