Several arrests were made in Cumbria as part of the latest week of action targeting drug supply, assault, and theft, among other offences.

During the week of action between April 8 and 12, Cumbria Constabulary executed warrants across the county.

On Monday, April 8, officers arrested Nathan Wharton, 35, of Egerton Court in Barrow, who was sought in connection with a theft offence.

He was then charged with theft from a shop and was due to attend Barrow Magistrates’ Court on April 11.

Officers also arrested two Penrith teenagers regarding an injunction against them and a 33-year-old man from Penrith who was sought for failing to attend court.

On Tuesday, April 9, officers arrested a man who was sought in connection with a grievous bodily harm (GBH) assault.

Mark Malloy, 30, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with wounding with intent and was due to appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on April 11.

On the same day, Op Merlin officers arrested a 49-year-old man sought regarding the supply of cannabis; he was subsequently bailed.

A 46-year-old Carlisle man sought for assault occasioning actual bodily harm was arrested and subsequently released on bail, while a 34-year-old man from Barrow was arrested after being sought for blackmail; he too was released on police bail.

On Wednesday, April 10, officers arrested a 44-year-old woman from the Workington area on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs; she was subsequently bailed.

A 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault but later released with no further action.

On Thursday, April 11, two men were arrested for recall to prison and on Friday, April 12, a man was arrested and cautioned for possession of cannabis.

Operation Merlin resulted in almost 100 arrests across 2023, police said.

Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “Operation Merlin has proved successful in rounding up suspected offenders, some of whom may previously have believed they could ignore court orders with impunity.

“Indeed, one of the arrests made this week was of a man who had been outstanding for a year for failing to attend court.”

Police added that if you have information regarding criminality in your area, you can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit

You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency or when a crime is in progress.