Eight-year-old child exploited by drug dealers in Sutton

Inspector Craig Hall, Ashfield's district commander, has revealed that a targeted operation on drug-related crime across the town has led to the child being protected by officers.

In his monthly blog, Inspector Hall says that the targeted battle has seen three children – including a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old child – exploited by drug dealers in Sutton.

The operation follows months of heated concerns from residents about “gang” problems and anti-social behaviour on the Carsic estate, which came to a head following an alleged stabbing in August last year.

Nottinghamshire Police targeted the estate in a bid to reduce the crime levels, which Inspector Hall has praised as a success and has led to the arrest of seven suspected drug dealers.

Inspector Hall says the police have used powers to protect the youngsters, which he believes are at risk through county lines drug dealing.

He said: “One of the most important reasons for tackling this offending is to protect children who are being exploited by these drug dealers.

“In the last few months we have identified an eight-year-old, a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old who have been put in such circumstances in Sutton.

“Each have been safeguarded by officers using their emergency police protection powers and through support from the force county lines team.

“We are working to tackle the drugs market within Sutton, and community intelligence is nearly always the genesis of any successful policing operation.”