Five people have been arrested after armed police were spotted raiding an Oxford Road pub with riot gear earlier today. 

A shocking image shows around a dozen officers with helmets and riot shields storming the Royal Albion pub this morning (March 4).

Reading Chronicle: Image via Paul KingImage via Paul King

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said this operation -- which involved the searching of properties on four other roads nearby -- was carried out as part of a drugs warrant. 

The spokesperson added: “Five people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences following the execution of a series of warrants in Reading this morning.

“The warrants were carried out in Grovelands Road, Dee Road, St Georges Road, Goldsmid Road and at the Royal Albion public house in Oxford Road under Section 8 of the PACE Act.

“A quantity of drugs, believed to be of class A, have been recovered, along with a number of weapons.

“Four men, aged 20, 38, 37 and 41 and a 36-year-old woman, all from Reading, have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and remain in custody.

“Anyone with any information relating to drug dealing is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, or for 100% anonymity, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”