Police in drug raid on West Bromwich pub

Police used battering rams to force their way into a Black Country pub early today.

Windows at the The Marksman in West Bromwich were smashed and officers in riot gear used ladders to climb into the pub.

They were today carrying out searches of the Carters Green pub, looking for drugs.

The raid at 7.15am marks the start of a month long operation which will see increased police activity across the West Midlands.

West Midlands Chief Constable Chris Sims attended today's raid and said that the Serve and Protect operation will not only include drugs raids, but will also target those who use firearms and commit other serious crimes.

He said: "There is a perception by local people that due to government cuts there will be a loss of front-line officers - we want to show them that we are still out there tackling the crime.

"We understand the public debate that is going on at the moment, but we want to show the public that despite cuts we are still out there doing our job."

As part of the operation PCSOs were today visiting shop owners and families near The Marksman to explain the police action.