POLICE swooped on a house in Gerrards Cross as part of a nationwide investigation into the theft of thousands of mobile phones at a warehouse, near Heathrow Airport.

Residents were shocked on Thursday evening, as police raided the home in Latchmoor Way, following the theft two weeks ago.

Police from the Surrey Constabulary, leading the investigation, also raided houses in Slough, Staines and Loughborough.

In June, an armed gang allegedly forced their way into the warehouse, near Heathrow, and stole £3 million worth of mobile phones.

Diane Whiting, police spokesman, said: "Surrey police did make a series of raids across the country.

"We are continuing to raid properties in the Home Counties following the theft of thousands of mobile telephones."

Neighbours watched as police towed away cars from the driveway of the Gerrards Cross home.

One resident said: "They took away a lot of cars from the drive."

Police remained at the house overnight and dismantled the roof of the garage and searched the garden.

Police said Rajinder Singh Sahota, 31, a car salesman, of Latchmoor Way, Gerrards Cross, has been charged along with seven other men with conspiracy to handle stolen goods. They said this is in connection with mobile telephones stolen from a warehouse near Heathrow, two weeks ago.

He was remanded in custody and will appear with the other men at Staines Magistrates Court on July 16.