Two arrests as police seize 500 cannabis plants

Hundreds of plants were discovered growing under lamps and heaters

A cannabis factory housing between 400 and 500 plants has been uncovered by police, leading to two arrests.

Officers were called to Colchester Road in Halstead, Essex, after reports of suspicious activity on Tuesday.

A man in his 20s and another in his 30s were arrested on suspicion of production of a controlled drug, and were being questioned in custody.

The plants were seized and were set to be destroyed.

Insp Philip Jackson, at Essex Police, said: "Growing cannabis is not a victimless crime.

"When produced on a large scale such as the operation uncovered today, it is often used to fund organised crime and brings with it a range of issues including exploitation and antisocial behaviour.

"This has only been possible with the support from people in Halstead who reported their concerns, and I urge anyone seeing suspicious activity to get in touch with us."