Children were allegedly sold drugs and saw addicts taking crack cocaine while at a Swindon address.

Wiltshire Police successfully applied for a partial closure order of the hoe in Holbein Court in order to prevent risk of harm to young people.

PC Joseph gave evidence at Swindon Magistrates Court on Tuesday which explained why the order was necessary.

He said: “It’s come to the police’s attention that the main occupant befriended a 17-year-old boy who started residing at the address.

“[The boy] is in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl who has friends of that age and much younger.

“They would visit them at [the occupant’s] address, four or five children from the Grange Park area.

“They have informed the police that there are drugs in the address. [The main occupant] is alleged to have sold drugs to these children in exchange for cleaning his house, and given them money.

“Drug users have visited the house while the children were present and taken crack cocaine and cannabis in front of them.”

It is also alleged that the homeowner holds offensive weapons including a modified claw hammer, a machete, and firearms at the property.

Magistrates granted the partial closure order, which prevents anyone other than the main occupier and the 17-year-old from entering the house.

Anyone else who goes into the property could face criminal prosecution.