THREE people have been jailed for involvement in a county lines drugs network that ran across Hampshire and Surrey.

The investigation started when the trio broke into a property in Camberley on Christmas Day last year, kicking and punching the resident causing fractured ribs - and then poured boiling water over them.

Surrey Heath Borough Commander, Inspector Bob Darkens: "The violence shown by these men was, in my opinion, akin to torture.

"This is the reality of the drugs world and I hope this is a reminder to those who think that their social use of drugs is acceptable; it isn't, and their habit feeds feeds this serious criminality."

The three men were sentenced following a trial in which they were found guilty at Guildford Crown Court.

Abdihakim Farah, 24 of Greenford, London and Abidiaziz-Ali Qaajaa, 22 of Ealing, London, were sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison each.

This included 12 years for grevious bodily harm and four years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine.

Mohamed Mohamed, 29 of Hammersmith, was senteced to 12 years in prison for GBH.

Surrey Police worked with Hampshire Police on the case, discovering the county lines network spanning the two counties.

Insp. Darkens continued: "They were part of a county lines gang operating in the affluent borough of Surrey Heath, and I hope this highlights the fact that this is not just a crime that affects other parts of the country, but is on our doorstep."

Detective Inspector Simon Driver added: "One of the witnesses says she still has nightmares about the incident and said the ordeal she endured was like a movie. I hope that the fact that all three men are now behind bars will give all those involved some sort of closure and allow them to start to put the incident behind them."

Chief Inspector John Halfacre, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "These significant sentences are the result of some excellent cross border working between Hampshire Constabulary and Surrey Police and demonstrates the seriousness of these crimes.

"County lines networks are a scourge and we will relentlessly pursue those who play a part in Class A drugs supply and seek to bring harm to our communities.

"We can’t tackle this problem alone but with the help of our communities and other partner agencies, we can take action against those intent on breaking the law."