UPDATE: Police seek man following village '˜stand off'

Police want to trace a man wanted on suspicion of drugs and firearms offences following a '˜stand off' at a village home, the force has said.
Paul Hodge. Photo by Surrey Police.Paul Hodge. Photo by Surrey Police.
Paul Hodge. Photo by Surrey Police.

Police said they want to speak to 57-year-old Paul Hodge following the incident in Careys Wood, Smallfield.

Officers carried out a pre-planned raid on a house the area at 6am today (Thursday July 28).

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Police said when officers entered the property a person was seen with a suspected firearm.

The police helicopter and armed officers were called and police cordoned off the area.

Detective Inspector Paul Burrill, said: “Officers responded to information that a further man was inside the property on Careys Wood and was believed to be in a possession of a suspected firearm.

“Following a thorough search of the property with assistance from NPAS and the Surrey Police Dog Unit no-one was located inside the address.

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“I would urge anyone who knows his whereabouts not to approach him but to contact Surrey Police immediately on 999.”

Police said they are currently making enquiries in the wider Redhill area to trace Hodge.

Anyone who has seen him is urged to contact Surrey Police as a matter of urgency.

Police said three other people were arrested as part of raid on the property.

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A spokesman for Surrey Police said a woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of drugs related offences.

Two men, one in his 20s and another in his late teens, were arrested on suspicion of obstructing police.

A number of suspected firearms were also recovered following a search of a property in Careys Wood, officers added.

Warrants were executed at fifteen other addresses across East Surrey as part of the investigation, entitled Operation Aragon, with a total of ten people being arrested as a result. Those arrested remain in police custody at this time.

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The warrants were obtained as part of large scale investigation into the supply of class A controlled drugs.

The Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team will be visiting residents in the local area this evening to address any concerns they may have.

Anyone who has any information which could assist officers with their investigation is urged to contact Surrey Police quoting Operation Aragon. Information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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