A sawn-off shotgun and ammunition were found after police smashed their way into a house as part of a number of dawn raids across Telford.

The home in Leegomery was targeted as part of Operation Christmas Crackdown, which saw 15 people arrested in one day on suspicion of drugs, theft and anti-social behaviour offences. Officers with a search warrant were looking for drugs after receiving anonymous information via Crimestoppers.

A number of cannabis plants were seized, but a shortened .410 calibre shotgun was also discovered along with ammunition.

A 17-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of theft and three other men aged 21, 23 and 25 were arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The items have been taken away for forensic examination.

The four arrested men from the address will be interviewed on suspicion of possessing a firearm, in addition to the drugs offences.

Inspector Richard Langton, lead officer for the operation in Telford, said: “The sawn-off shotgun and ammunition was a significant find for us.

“We didn’t expect to find a firearm but due to the tenacity and thoroughness of our officers, we did find it.

“The items have been seized and will undergo a thorough forensic examination. Four males arrested from the address will be questioned by officers.”

Operation Christmas Crackdown started with a series of dawn raids, with police executing warrants under the Theft and Misuse of Drugs Acts. A number of searches were undertaken as a result of information from members of the public via Crimestoppers.

Inspector Langton added: “This is a prime example of police working with the communities we serve.

“The police value Crimestoppers as a prime source of intelligence gathering and are able to obtain information that would be unlikely to come to us through normal channels.

“We recognise that some people do not want to get involved or give their name. Crimestoppers provides the means for people to pass information about crime with a guarantee of anonymity. “

We would like to thank those people, whoever they are, who called Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information on criminal activity is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.