Merseyside Police carried out a raid at an address in Wrexham this morning.

The dawn raid in the town was part of a wider operation in which warrants were executed at 12 addresses in Liverpool and Wirral and during the course of the investigation, officers seized five firearms including a Beretta, Uzi machine gun, Baikal and two sawn-off shotguns.

Officers also seized cash, a quantity of Class A and B drugs and arrested six men and one woman.

Searches were ongoing at the properties this morning.

Chief Inspector Paul Court, said: "The investigation was put in place after members of the public raised concerns about drug dealing in their communities.

"Sadly, sometimes those involved in the supply and distribution of drugs will resort to using firearms to protect their illegal trade, or to resolve petty disputes.

"I would like to reassure the public that we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in serious and organised crime and we are committed to making our streets safer for our communities.

"No-one should have to put up with drug dealing, and the associated crime it brings.

"We will work together with our communities to improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods and make our communities stronger."

Officers will also be looking to seize any items at the addresses, which are believed to have been bought with money made through criminal enterprise and they will be accompanied by police approved asset recovery teams, who will deal with any such items under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Searches will also be carried out at a number of businesses linked to individuals arrested today and will be accompanied by representatives from partner agencies, including Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Environmental Health and the Security Industry Authority, to ensure the businesses are not in breach of any current legislation under their jurisdiction.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Green, said the arrests send out a clear message to those involved in gun crime.

He said: "The use of firearms blights our communities and puts ordinary law abiding people at risk.

"We will not stand by and let these people wreak havoc and cause fear in our communities."

"The action we have taken today has been made possible thanks to members of the public who have taken a stand and given us information and I would appeal to anyone who has information about those involved in gun crime, or where guns are being stored, to contact us."

Anyone with information about serious and organised crime can contact the force social media desk @MerPolCC, or by calling us on 101.

You can also report crimes anonymously via @CrimestoppersUK or by calling 0800 555 111.