Officers across Cumbria carried out warrants and targeted wanted individuals as part of the latest Operation Merlin week of action (17 – 20 October), resulting in arrests on suspicion of offences including, assault, possession of a bladed article in public, possession with intent to supply cocaine and failing to attend court.

On Tuesday officers successfully executed warrants in Kendal and arrested a woman on behalf of the courts for failure to attend.

On Wednesday, officers successfully executed warrants on the Furness area, arresting a man and a woman for failure to attend court and a man for breach of a court order.

On Thursday, officers in Carlisle arrested a man in his 40s who had been sought on suspicion of assault. However, he was subsequently released with no further action.

Officers also arrested a man aged 29 from Brampton on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was subsequently released on bail whilst officers continue with their enquiries.

Two further arrests were made – one of a Kendal man aged in his 40s and another of a Workington man in his 50s. Both were sought for failure to attend court.

On Friday, officers in West Cumbria executed a warrant at an address in Cleator Moor and arrested a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug (cocaine) with intent to supply and a 47-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

The woman was released under investigation.

The man – Simon Gilmour, 47, of Pica, Workington – has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and is due to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on 20 November 2023.

Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “Operation Merlin continues to bring results across the county, with individuals involved in serious criminality and those who believe they do not need to attend court finding officers at their door.

“Many of those we are arresting are all too aware that they are sought by the police. If you are in this position, hand yourself in today before our officers come to your door.”

Operation Merlin action is often the result of intelligence received by the public.

Supt Jones said: “If you suspect criminality is taking place in your neighbourhood then we want to hear from you so we can take action.

“We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears so don’t hesitate, contact us today.”

If you have information regarding criminality in your area, you can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit

You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency or when a crime is in progress.