POLICE on Merseyside made 28 arrests and seized drugs, cars and money during a series of dawn raids yesterday in a campaign against protection rackets on building sites.

Officers pledged last month to take action against criminal gangs posing as security firms. The gangs are taking advantage of a construction boom in Liverpool, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2008. This has led to arson attacks, violence, threats and intimidation.

Police raided 26 addresses, seizing 1.5kg of heroin and cocaine, £16,000 in cash, a firearm, stolen goods and 50 cars. Forty-three summonses were issued.

Seven people have been charged with drug and firearm offences and handling stolen goods. Officers also visited construction sites as part of Operation Seahog, looking for illegal immigrants, unregistered security guards and benefit cheats.

Two Liverpool construction sites have been attacked by suspected gangsters this year. In February three houses were razed in Toxteth and in May arsonists attacked a block of flats at a 584-home housing scheme in Hunts Cross Village.

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