THE stabbing of man in an alleyway comes in the wake of an appeal by Hampshire police for help to stamp out drug gangs who are invading the homes of Andover’s most vulnerable residents.

Tommy Ferris, aged 28, from London, was found in a life-threatening condition in an alleyway near Smannell Road on Friday before he was pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital.

As investigations began, police considered the incident could be drugs-related and this prompted a call on social media by the force for help to “kick drugs out of the town” by highlighting the trend of ‘cuckooing’.

According to police, the crime is becoming an increasing problem, with young gang members, usually armed with knives and typically from London, Birmingham and Manchester, befriending vulnerable householders before taking over their home as a base from which the ring can peddle drugs.

Inspector Chris Taylor said: “Andover, like many regional towns, has been subject to county lines and cuckooing.

“County lines are operated by individuals or groups who use mobile phone lines to extend their drug-dealing business into new locations outside their home, usually urban areas often centred around good transport links. A county line enterprise almost always involves exploitation of vulnerable people including children.

“Cuckooing takes place when criminals target the homes of vulnerable people for the purposes of drug dealing. Victims are often left with little choice but to co-operate.

“Initially dealers may approach the vulnerable person offering free drugs; however, this may progress to threats of violence, and the victim being made to pay off drug debts by use of their home and sometimes assisting the drug dealing.

“Hampshire Constabulary’s objectives are to safeguard vulnerable victims, disrupt drug supply and arrest and prosecute offenders.”

On Wednesday last week officers carried out raids on homes in Genoa Court, Corunna Main and Harvey Place in an investigation into the exploitation of children in the drugs trade.

Two men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs with all three since being released under investigation.

Now, Hampshire Constabulary is hoping that members of the public will help identify ‘cuckooed’ homes and have released information on the signs to look out for.

Police have asked people to watch out for increased visitors to an address, evidence of drug use in the public areas and secure doors wedged open.

Inspector Taylor added: “We need information from the Andover community, so we can take action, especially from neighbours who see increased visitors to an address and evidence of drug use in public areas.”

To report concerns about a house you think might be being used for drug dealing or drug activity call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.