CHILDREN are being sexually abused and used to hide drugs.

Sussex Police’s Operation Oven brought 49 arrests and the seizure of £10,000 worth of crack cocaine and heroin across the Worthing as they discovered children were involved.

The 31-day operation focused on protecting vulnerable people who are being subjected to violence and their addresses being taken over by London-based drug gangs.

But as well as a haul of drugs and cash, officers encountered instances of child exploitation ranging from children being forced to hide drugs to being the victims of sexual abuse.

Detective Inspector Rob Walker said: "The main aim was to protect vulnerable adults who are being used by the drug dealers, reduce the number of properties being used by the dealers and to make it a hostile environment for the drug suppliers who see Worthing as a safe haven to sell crack and heroin.

“The results indicate that organised crime groups and gangs are involved in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Worthing and in the exploitation of vulnerable adults and children. This has to be targeted through multi-agency working with police, charities and support agencies working together."

As well as the 49 arrests, officers carried out seven warrants at properties across Worthing, stop and searched 65 people and seized £5,000 cash and two imitation firearms.

The Worthing bust came as four men were arrested for possession of heroin with intent to supply after raids at two homes in Bayford Road, Littlehampton and at a business in Clifton Road, Littlehampton.

Four local men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested yesterday morning following a tip-off from the public.

Insp Marc Clothier said: "I want to emphasise that we regularly review and consider the information and intelligence that is supplied to us by members of the public and whilst it is not possible for us to ring every individual back about the information they provide or take action immediately, where there is a problem we do have the resources and ability to deal effectively with it and yesterday was an example of that.

"As a result of Arun and Chichester working more closely together we have the capacity to flex our resources based on the current priorities, this could be responding to emerging crime series or trends or carrying out a number of warrants as we have done."

Anyone who has any concerns or information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood should contact police by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or ring 101. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.