Ian ClarkeFive people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences following a raid on a flat in Dereham close to where a needle was left which was picked up by a toddler.Ian Clarke

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences following a raid on a flat in Dereham close to where a needle was left which was picked up by a toddler.

Little Henri Bishop, who will be two later this month, picked up the needle at Beech Court, just off the town's High Street, and it stabbed him in the hand.

His mother Samantha, 21, now faces an anxious three-month wait for the results of tests to see whether Henri has been infected.

On Wednesday, police executed a search warrant at a flat in Beech Court and arrested a 29-year-old woman and four men aged 20, 27, 47 and 49.

They were all arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply and were taken to Bethel Street Police Station in Norwich for questioning.

One of the people arrested is believed to live at the flat where the arrest was made and another person lives in another flat in the complex.

The others all have links to the Dereham area.

A quantity of drugs - believed to be heroin - was seized and has been sent away for analysis.

Police had received information from local people about drug taking in the complex of flats.

Sgt Mark Goodbody, of the Dereham Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: 'Finding the needle was the catalyst for the search warrant being executed. It was a good result and hopefully it will disrupt drug dealing in the Dereham area.

'We are always interested in information from people and we will take positive action where it is appropriate.'

Anyone who suspects there is drug activity in their community should contact Norfolk Police on 0845 4564567 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.