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Three men who supplied drugs across Accrington have been jailed for more than seven years.

Father and son, 46-year-old William and 26-year-old Jacob Sledden, of Lydia Street, Accrington, appeared at Burnley Crown Court today (Friday, October 28).

William Sledden pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply amphetamine and sentenced to four years and eight months’ imprisonment; Jacob Sledden pleaded guilty possession with intent to supply cannabis and jailed for eight months.

Their associate, 22-year-old Kamran Nawaz, of Buxton Street, Accrington was sentenced to two years after he was also convicted of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

All three were convicted after a lengthy investigation by Accrington’s neighbourhood policing team during which officers raided William Sledden’s home on Hopwood Street and discovered over 6kg of amphetamine with a street value of over £80,000.

On arrival at the address, officers saw both Sledden and Nawaz run inside and lock the reinforced door.

Specialist officers forced their way in and found Jacob Sledden trying to flush cannabis down the toilet.

PC Paul Wolstenholme from Accrington Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We’ve executed a dozen drugs warrants at premises connected to William Sledden and I hope this highlights our commitment to tackling the issue whilst reassuring people and hopefully reducing the supply of cannabis and amphetamine in Hyndburn.

“Drug dealers target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

They cause misery for others and I hope these sentences demonstrate the police commitment to tackling drug dealers and removing them from our neighbourhoods.”

PC Wolstenholme also urged landlords to take responsibility for those who live in their properties and report anything suspicious to the police.

He added: “It is an offence to allow a property to be used to supply drugs and in this case, despite many warnings, the landlord has failed to take action.

"I urge landlords to take responsibility for their properties and to contact the police if they are concerned or have any information about drug dealing.

“We are determined to continue to work with local people and other agencies to help make Accrington a safer place.”

Anyone with any information or concerns about drug dealing is urged to contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101 or people can report any suspicious activity to police online https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/

Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.