A "DANGEROUS" drugs gang which brought 'fear' to the streets of Malvern has been jailed.

The gang, armed with guns, peddled heroin and crack cocaine out of Malvern and Birmingham, forcing vulnerable children to ply their trade have received a total jail sentence of 18 years.

Four men and two boys pleaded guilty to drugs conspiracy charges and two to additional firearms offences.

Following a two-day trial at Hereford Crown Court, one of the youths was also found guilty of a firearms offence.

The men were arrested following raids on properties in Malvern and Birmingham in May last year when cash, scales, mobile phones, firearms, ammunition and significant quantities of class A drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine, were seized.

Nathan Salmon, aged 28, of Beauchamp Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and to possession of ammunition. He was sentenced to a total of nine years: seven years for conspiracy to supply heroin, seven years to be served concurrently for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and two years to be served consecutively for possession of ammunition.

Bilal Hussain, aged 19 of Barnesville Close, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, heroin, and cannabis and possession of ammunition and a prohibited weapon (revolver).

He was sentenced to a total of five years in a young offender's institute.

He received two years for conspiracy to supply heroin, two years to be served concurrently for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.

For possession of a prohibited weapon he received a three year sentence to be served consecutively

For possession of ammunition he received a two year sentence to be served concurrently.

For conspiracy to supply cannabis he received a 20 month sentence to be served concurrently.

Callum Foga, aged 25, of Norfolk Rd, Erdington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and was sentenced to two years suspended for two years, plus 30 days rehabilitation and 200 hours community service.

Christopher Wilce, aged 31 from Tarrington near Ledbury, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and was sentenced to two years suspended for two years, plus 10 days rehabilitation and 100 hours community service.

A boy now aged 16 from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack, heroin, and cannabis and was sentenced to 24 months youth rehabilitation programme with an electronic curfew for three months between 8pm-7am.

A second boy, also now aged 16 from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack, heroin, and cannabis and was additionally found guilty after a trial of possessing a prohibited weapon (revolver) was given a youth rehabilitation order and a three month curfew.

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Moore said: "We are pleased with this result which is the culmination of many months investigation, working with colleagues across our region to tackle the problem of serious organised crime.

"This gang operated out of Birmingham and Malvern, creating an environment of fear in areas of Malvern and coerced vulnerable people, including children, into involvement in drugs related crime.

"Thanks to the diligence of officers and other investigating staff as well as the support and cooperation of the local community, we have been able to reduce the availability of drugs and the threat of drug related violence in Malvern, and safeguarded more impressionable youngsters from getting involved in organised drug crime.

"I hope that this successful prosecution will encourage others who may have information regarding organised crime to come forward."

Anyone who has information about a crime can call West Mercia Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org