Over a dozen arrests were made during a countywide police operation.

Operation Guardians saw hundreds of Cheshire Police officers and members of staff step up their efforts in protecting children and vulnerable people.

A total of 18 arrests were made between Monday (May 19) and Wednesday (May 21), with police carrying out patrols, raids and visits to registered sex offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Williams, who co-ordinated the operation, said: "I am incredibly proud of the success of Operation Guardians, which resulted in multiple arrests and engagement activities.

"This is an example of different departments force-wide working together to highlight the great work that Cheshire Constabulary does in protecting children and vulnerable people across the county.

"But it's also important to stress that the activities which have been taking place across the past few days are part of our everyday policing tactics and 'business as usual' the whole year round.

"It's vital that those who would harm children in Cheshire know that we will utilise all the tools at our disposal to safeguard young and vulnerable people and anyone who is found to have committed any offences will be caught and held accountable."

High visibility patrols were carried out outside schools, with plain clothes officers keeping an eye on town centres.

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Eight warrants were executed by the Cheshire Police's Online Child Abuse Images Team, resulting in six arrests.

A further five arrests were made by the Sex Offender Management Unit after visits were made to registered sex offenders to ensure they were complying with court-ordered conditions.

Officers also paid visits to children's care homes as well as 23 hotels, in relation to Operation Makesafe.