POLICE and customs officials have seized goods worth more than £80,000 in raids on a newsagent and two corner shops.

The raids followed one at the beginning of November at Kings News at Cross Church Street near the Kingsgate shopping centre.

They returned to the Huddersfield town centre shop yesterday.

As part of the same inquiry they also raided Dalton Food Store and Off Licence at Broad Lane in Dalton and Sandhu Food And Wine Store at Mount Street, off Manchester Road, in Cowlersley.

One man was arrested and taken to Huddersfield police headquarters for questioning. He was later released on police bail.

The goods are said to have been confiscated under the provisions of the Proceeds Of Crime Act 2002.

Insp David Glover, of Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The investigation is ongoing. Alcohol was seized at all three premises raided yesterday and one man was arrested."

In the raid at Kings News on Thursday November 2, HM Revenue and Customs seized a large amount of tobacco and alcohol while the police seized a range of other items including medicines, chocolates and batteries.

A lorry was needed to transport the seized goods away.

In yesterday's raid at Kings News police seized more medicines and chocolates along with razor blades.

Insp Glover added: "One of our primary targets is to reduce theft from Huddersfield town centre shops and target people suspected of handling stolen goods."

Revenue and Customs also issued a general appeal for information about anybody who is thought to be selling goods without the correct duty and VAT paid on them, stressing it is an offence to sell such goods.

A spokeswoman said: "If anyone has information about people in Huddersfield illegally buying or selling duty-free cigarettes, tobacco or alcohol then they can contact us in confidence.

"The illegal sale of duty-free goods not only deprives the honest taxpayer of funds but lines the pockets of the town's criminals who make a hefty profit form this illegal activity."

Anyone with information should phone Revenue and Customs on 0800 595 000.