Seven people have been arrested by police investigating the £350k theft of prescription drugs from pharmacies in east Lancashire.

Lancashire Police said five men and two women, aged 21 to 35, are being held over thefts at two sites - one in Pendle and the other in Rossendale.

The seven suspects, five of whom are pharmacy employees, were arrested for offences including theft by an employee, conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs, and money laundering.

Det Sgt Josh Boswell, of Burnley CID, said the arrests marked a "significant point in what remains a complex investigation".

Police raids earlier in Nelson, Barnoldswick and Blackburn resulted in the seizure of mobile phones, a quantity of Class B and Class C drugs, cash and designer items.

All those arrested remain in custody. (BBC, excluding headline)