A police operation has resulted in the arrest of 20 people across Cumbria.

Cumbria Police's Operation Merlin targeted people who are wanted by officers for a range of offences and who have failed to attend court.

The four-day operation, which ran from October 14 to October 18, saw officers scouring the county for offenders who 'think they are above the law'.

The first day of the operation saw officers in the Barrow area make eight arrests.

This included the execution of a search warrant at an address on Ferry Road, where a man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.

He has since been released on bail pending further investigation.

Officers also attended Mikasa Street, arresting a man and a woman on suspicion of the importation of steroids, a Class C drug. 

Both have been released under investigation.

Additionally, a man was arrested on suspicion of an offence of non-fatal strangulation and bailed, while four others were arrested for failing to attend court.

On the second day of the operation, officers in the Carlisle area made four arrests.

This included the execution of a warrant where a man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and handling stolen goods, and has since been bailed pending further inquiries.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of assault GBH and on suspicion of dangerous driving, respectively, and a woman was arrested for failing to attend court.

Both men were bailed.

The third day of the operation saw officers in west Cumbria make three arrests.

A man was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after officers stopped a vehicle in Workington, he has since been released under investigation.

A man wanted for failing to attend court was found in the back seat of the vehicle and transported to court.

Officers also arrested a man in the Workington area found to be in possession of drugs.

He was subsequently given a police caution. 

The final day of the operation saw officers in Kendal make five arrests.

A man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs after a search warrant was executed, and has since been bailed pending further investigation.

Another man was arrested on suspicion of harassment, one on suspicion of affray, and another for failing to attend court.

A woman wanted on suspicion of a public order offence was also arrested, and has since been released under investigation.

Superintendent Annette McClement said: "Operation Merlin continues to send a clear message to those individuals who think they can ignore a summons to appear at court or those who may be wanted by police, you will be located and arrested.

"Operations such as this will regularly take place and my advice to anyone who knows they have a warrant out for their arrest, is to come forward today rather than wait for officers to knock at your door.

"A significant number of these arrests have been as the result of intelligence received from the public.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank those within our communities who continue to come forward and support us.

"Please be assured, we will respond positively to any information received."

Cumbria's police, fire, and crime commissioner, David Allen, said: "Twenty arrests over five days is an incredible result – especially as it involves arresting those who feel that they can avoid punishment for their crimes.

"Op Merlin is a fantastic snapshot of what the constabulary achieve year-round in ensuing that those who commit a crime face the consequences of their actions.

"Basically, if you commit a crime in Cumbria, you are a legitimate target.

"Tackling crime is a community effort so I would like to encourage the public to continue to report any suspicious or criminal activity – together we can protect Cumbria."

If you have information regarding criminality in your area, you can report it online on Cumbria Police's website or call 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency or when a crime is in progress.