More than 700 police officers were deployed in a massive operation yesterday to root out suspected gang members after a series of fights were broadcast on the internet.

More than 700 police officers were deployed in a massive operation yesterday to root out suspected gang members after a series of fights were broadcast on the internet.

A number of dawn raids took place across the north and east of Glasgow to strike at the heart of organised crime, drug dealing and violent offending in the city.

There were a total of 31 raids - 22 on gang members and nine targeting drug dealers.

The raids on the gangs came after violent images on social networking sites such as Bebo and YouTube were discovered by officers from Strathclyde Police's gang task force.

They showed youths involved in fights in the East End's Tollcross, Parkhead and Carntyne over recent months.

Seven raids, six simultaneous, were launched at 7am, with another 15 homes targeted later in the day. Police used battering rams and crow bars to force their way into the homes of suspects.

Three people were detained for questioning in connection with gang-related activities. Three others were held following nine other raids carried out as part of Operation Fleet against drug dealers.