Officers from Cleveland Police’s Matrix Team were visible last night in several streets in the Whinney Banks area of Middlesbrough located just southwest of Central Middlesbrough.

Late on Monday night the 20th of May armed police swooped on properties on Derby Avenue, Sherborne Walk and Central Avenue drawing residents out of their homes as the drama unfolded.

Police have yet to release anything official on the reasoning surrounding the operation which took place last night however there have been similar raids taken place in this area recently. The police drone was also deployed to provide aerial observations of the operation last night.

Police dogs were also deployed along with response officers to assist in closing down streets and assisting local residents to and from their homes.

This is a developing story and more will be published once it becomes available.