EIGHT people were arrested in early morning raids today by police investigating violent mobile phone robberies on teenagers.

Homes in the Deane area were raided as part of the six-week operation.

It followed attacks on children aged between 12 to 18, targeted for their mobile phones and money. Eight officers raided five address in the Gilnow Lane area this morning as part of Operation Grow.

Detective Inspector Andy Aston said the men -- aged from 14 to their early 20s -- were believed to know each other.

The raids came as mobile phone thieves were warned they would receive increased, tougher, sentences in the courts in an attempt to cut down on the rising crime wave.

Det Insp Aston warned criminals that the operation would continue for "the foreseeable future". He said: "This is the first stage and the message is clear: robbers can expect to be caught and arrested. Behaviour like this will not be tolerated."

The arrested youths and men were due to be questioned by police during today. Six have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, two on suspicion of violent disorder.