THE cards have been tumbling as Operation Tornado continues to sweep up known criminals.

The operation is targeting known offenders, with each police district - Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton and Hartlepool - compiling a "playing card" list of 13 men and women suspected of various offences, ranging from drug dealing and organised crime to theft and burglary.

And with two days of the operation left, Redcar and Cleveland are only two short of achieving a full suit of wanted people, including the joker.

The latest arrests include the jack of clubs, a 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Acting Detective Inspector Paul Gordon said: "We have made solid progress arresting four of the most wanted during this activity. The operation has been a huge success so far and efforts are continuing to locate the final two."

In the Middlesbrough district eight out of the 13 most wanted have been arrested including the ace, king, queen and jack of diamonds.

Over in Hartlepool officers have eight out of the 15 most wanted, including two of the three people linked to the nine of hearts.

And in Stockton five out of the 13 have been picked up including the ace of spades.

Detective Sergeant Kenny Clark said: "The operation was a resounding success with officers working to ensure that communities remain safe and that action is take in order to bring perpetrators to justice."

The operation draws to a close on Sunday with officers looking at evening crime and a morning after drink drive crackdown.