Five people were arrested in Witham during a police day of action.

Essex Police were in the town targeting organised criminal gangs and knife and violent crime.

Teams including the roads policing team, force support unit and the operational support group carried out work to disrupt organised crime groups using vehicle stop-checks, warrants and arrest attempts on Monday.

Roads Policing officers stopped a number of vehicles in Witham.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of drug driving, two others on suspicion of drug driving and possession of cannabis, and one on suspicion of breaching a court order.

One person was given a warning for possession of cannabis, one stolen vehicle was recovered, and two others were seized.

Chief Inspector Ronnie Egan, of operational policing command special operations, said: “This was a really successful day of action supporting local policing teams in their bid to disrupt organised crime groups and tackle violent and knife crime.

“My officers used a variety of tactics to target specific people and areas.”

Mrs Egan added: “Teams like the roads policing team, force support unit and the operational support group will continue to work with local policing teams to tackle issues and areas identified as priorities.”