FIVE people have been arrested at an address in Wareham following a police operation supported by the RSPCA and Department for Work & Pensions officers.

Two men, aged 24 and 63, and two women, aged 33 and 60, all from Wareham, were arrested on suspicion of fraud after an early morning raid in Bere Road, Coldharbour, on Tuesday.

A 38-year-old Poole man was also arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.

Dorset Police say a number of animals were taken away from the property and are currently in the care of the RSPCA. These animals included dogs, birds and cockerels.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This was a well-planned and executed operation, which has resulted in the five arrests and shows excellent working relations with Dorset Police and its partner agencies.”

Four of those arrested have been released on police bail until mid-May pending further enquiries.