Police have closed down a property thought to be a ‘crack house’ after raiding the dwelling to find the air “thick with the acrid smell of recently smoked crack cocaine”.

Local officers from Newham’s Problem Solving Team entered the property on Herbert Road in Manor Park following complaints from neighbours and a warrant being served.

Eleven people were inside the flat who between them had convictions for 56 theft offences, 29 drug offences and one prostitution offence.

One male was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a Class A drug. A further male was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a Class A drug and possession of a stolen mobile phone.

Officers found copious amounts of Class A drugs paraphernalia, including crack pipes, burnt foil, numerous empty wraps and weighing scales.

Sergeant Alistair Hudson, said: “Reading some of the impact statements it was abundantly clear just how much the residents lives had been blighted by the anti-social behaviour occurring at this address. The successful closure has sent out a clear message that we listen to our community and act upon the information they provide.”

In January 2004, the Anti-Social Behaviour Act (ASB) 2003 gave courts new powers to authorise the closure of premises believed to be used for unlawful drug use, associated with the occurrence of disorder or serious nuisance.

The order now deems it an offence to remain in or enter the premises in contravention of the closure order. This is punishable by a fine of up to £5000 or up to six months imprisonment or both.

A closure order of the property was issued on February 27 after it was suspected of being a ‘crack house’.