Crimestoppers has launched a major campaign to combat drug supply and related crimes across the North West of England and North Wales.

The independent charity is seeking anonymous tips from the public as part of a bid to "stop the harm" brought about by drug gangs in the regions.

Drug sales can lead to other serious offences such as shootings, stabbings, and exploitation crimes like County Lines, and modern slavery.

The charity is looking to get the public to help prevent the activities by passing on the information to them.

This information is then relayed to law enforcement agencies.

The goal is to disrupt gang activity and safeguard communities, by utilizing the information received.

The charity has provided a list of questions to guide the public in identifying signs of drug crimes.

These questions are:

Who runs the local drugs trade? Which premises are regularly used for drug dealing? What are the names of those members of serious crime gangs in the area? Are they living a lavish lifestyle but not working? Do you know or suspect which `cash only’ businesses might be money laundering? How do they recruit those who are being exploited? Do you have concerns about individuals whose homes have been taken over by drug dealers?

Gary Murray, North West regional manager at the charity Crimestoppers said: "Sadly, over the last 12 months we have seen many lives lost and families devasted because of the violence associated with drug crime.

"You can help stop the harm caused by drug gangs operating across the North West and North Wales.

"Only by individuals taking the brave step of speaking up anonymously about what is going on in their areas will we see a cut in the pain and suffering that our communities face.

"If you know who is involved in drug crime or orchestrating a drug gang, please contact our charity.

"Only you will know you contacted us."

Mr Murray added: "Every year across the North West and North Wales we receive over 35,000 pieces of `actionable' or high-quality information.

"This leads to a significant number of arrests, millions of pounds of drugs seized, and weapons being taken off our streets.

"We would like to thank those who have previously contacted our charity.

"Remember, we guarantee you’ll stay 100% anonymous.

"That means no police contact, no witness statement and no courts.

"I encourage anyone with information to contact us.

"We will never know who they are because of anonymity, but they have made the North West safer for everyone and made a real difference."

Anyone wanting to provide information anonymously can visit the Crimestoppers website or call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, available 24/7.