VIDEO: Police use ‘thermal lance’ to burn their way into Leeds drugs den

This was the moment things got heated when police forced their way into a Leeds house used by suspected drug dealers.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jul 2015, 13:05 BST
Officers used a thermal lance to burn through the metal gateOfficers used a thermal lance to burn through the metal gate
Officers used a thermal lance to burn through the metal gate

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s operations support unit used a thermal lance – a tool that heats and melts steel – to cut through a security gate outside the front door of the property on Chatsworth Road, Harehills.

The video was posted on Facebook, along with a message from the Leeds inner east neighbourhood policing team (NPT) saying: “The war on drugs is heating up... literally!! It takes more than a security gate to stop the police gaining entry.”

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The raid was carried out after police gained a warrant to investigate alleged drug-related activity at the terraced property on Saturday.

Officers used a thermal lance to burn through the metal gateOfficers used a thermal lance to burn through the metal gate
Officers used a thermal lance to burn through the metal gate

Sgt James Banks, of the NPT, said: “Officers executed this drugs warrant in response to information from the community.

“A small cannabis growing set-up was discovered along with electronic scales and clip seal bags used in drug dealing. Our enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved.

“Drugs fuel crime and anti-social behaviour and the criminality associated with the supply of drugs has a really negative impact on our communities. We are determined to keep up the pressure on people who think they can get away with growing and dealing drugs in our communities and local people can continue to help us by passing on any information they have.”

Anyone with information on drug dealing can contact their local neighbourhood policing team via 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.