A major drugs bust has been carried out to stamp out widespread dealing on the streets of a picturesque coastal resort.

Police have made a string of arrests following a four-month undercover operation in Littlehampton.

It is believed Operation Amazon has brought down a drugs gang responsible for almost all the heroin and cocaine sold in the town.

Seven people were arrested yesterday on suspicion of supplying the Class-A drugs.

Sussex Police said the operation was necessary because of "widespread street dealing of Class-A drugs", particularly around the train station, Surrey Street and Beach Road.

Police officers worked with train station staff, British Transport Police and other community figures to gather information about the network of dealers.

Similar operations carried out in Shoreham, Worthing, Bognor and Chichester have successfully tackled dealing.

Yesterday's bust was carried out by detectives and uniformed officers from Littlehampton neighbourhood policing team, member of HQ CID and the local support team.