Officers raided a house on Robin Street, Preston, after complaints to police about anti-social behaviour.

RSPCA officials took one bitch, one dog and ten puppies from the house. They are believed to be pit bull terriers.

The animals have been taken to kennels and tests are being carried out to establish if they are a banned breed.

The operation involved police officers, a police dog team and the RSPCA.

Police complaints

Insp Paddy O'Neill, of Lancashire police, said: "The local community had lodged complaints to the St Matthews policing team concerning anti-social behaviour, particularly around the Robin and Thompson Street areas.

"This policing operation was about listening to our communities and acting upon their behalf."

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the breeding, sale or exchange of four kinds of dogs: pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, the dogo Argentinos and the fila brasileiros.

Cross-breeds of these are also covered by the law. Other dogs that appear bred for fighting are also banned.