Two business premises were served with temporary closure orders after police in Great Yarmouth raided three properties suspected of being at the centre of criminal activity.

A businesses on Southgates Road and a business on Salmon Road were searched along with a residential property on Exmouth Road.

Untaxed vehicles have been seized as part of the operation, with the temporary closure orders served following concerns over fire regulations and health and safety.

Officers were joined in the raids by representatives from the UK Border Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Norfolk Fire Service and VOSA.

The action day is being held as part of a campaign codenamed Operation Prancer which aims to target criminal activity including drugs, vehicle and tax offences.

It resulted in two untaxed vehicles being seized by police, a prohibition noticed served on two vehicles and irregularities in fire regulations, and the discovery of health and safety issues where business premise were being used for living accommodation

Ch Insp Stuart Armes, who led the operation, said: 'The aim of this operation has been to address concerns raised by members of the local community and the action carried out today has been supported by intelligence previously gathered by police officers on the ground.

'The searches have been successful in identifying breaches of health and safety laws as well as providing valuable information which we may be able to take forward to tackle crime.

'Multi-agency operations have and will continue to play a key part in local policing in Yarmouth and we will continue to maximise the use of other agencies where appropriate in future policing operations within the district.

'The level of resources used in today's operation can only be a positive in sending out a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in the town.'