THREE people have been arrested during a drugs raid on a York guest house.

Police seized what they have described as a "significant amount" of what is believed to be Class A drugs, as well as cash and drug-related paraphernalia, in the raid at the Carousel Guest House, in Eldon Street, The Groves.

Officers today confirmed that the owners had no idea about the alleged activities of some of the people staying there.

The raid was carried out by the Neighbourhood Support Team as part of Operation Carnallite, which is being led by Sergeant Colin Sutherland of the Guildhall Safer Neighbourhood Team, to target the supply of Class A drugs in The Groves.

Sgt Sutherland said: "There was no criminal activity at The Carousel Guest House, and the owners knew nothing of the suspected activities of some of their residents.

"They were understandably shocked when I explained to them that a drugs warrant was about to be executed in one of the rooms.

"It was a total surprise to them.

"Thankfully this type of incident is rare, but it serves as a reminder that all members of the community should remain vigilant to criminals who may attempt to operate in the area."

The owner of the Carousel Guest House said he did not wish to make any comment.

One other couple was staying in the bed and breakfast at the time of the raid on Thursday, but they are understood to have been out at the time.

Sgt Sutherland added: "There has been excellent partnership working between the Police Community Support Officers responsible for The Groves, PCSO Michael Lawrenson and PCSO Polly Mennell, and the local community.

"So much so that criminals who think they can operate within the Guildhall ward have been warned.

"We have at our disposal a variety of tactics, both covert and overt to deal with criminality, and will implement these tactics at a time of our choosing to ensure a robust approach is maintained.

"The Groves is a low crime area, and I would encourage all residents of the area to work in partnership with the Safer Neighbourhood Team, in order to disrupt the criminals' lifestyle and make The Groves an uncomfortable area for them to operate."

Leaflets are now being dropped through the doors of local residents to tell them what has happened and inform them of how they can help assist their local policing team.

The three people arrested during the operation have all been released on bail pending further inquiries.