More than 1,600 suspected members of county lines drug dealing gangs have been arrested in one week across England and Wales.Action by police forces across the two countries saw class A drugs worth £1.2 million, the same amount in cash and more than 100kg (220lb) of cannabis seized.A total of 710 people, including 58 children, were referred to safeguarding services as possible victims of exploitation by the gangs.

More than 1,600 suspected members of county lines drug dealing gangs have been arrested in one week across England and Wales.Action by police forces across the two countries saw class A drugs worth £1.2 million, the same amount in cash and more than 100kg (220lb) of cannabis seized.A total of 710 people, including 58 children, were referred to safeguarding services as possible victims of exploitation by the gangs.