FOLLOWING a series of synchronised dawn raids yesterday, 15 people remain in custody.

Extensions have been granted to continue questioning the people, who were arrested as part of 24 warrants executed during Operation Tide.

The large scale operation aimed at tackling county lines trafficking and associated violence involved more than 300 officers from North Wales Police, Merseyside Police and Police Scotland. During raids, The Pioneer joined seven officers as they breached a property in Connah's Quay - one of the seven warrants executed in North Wales.

A spokesperson from police said: "Following on from the warrants executed in North Wales, Merseyside and Scotland yesterday - Thursday, September 5, 15 people remain in custody.

Superintendent Mark Pierce, Eastern Area Command, said: “The searches were concluded yesterday and superintendents’ extensions have been granted to further interview 15 people, who remain in police stations across the region.”

A woman from the Merseyside area has been released pending further investigation.

More to follow.