POLICE have uncovered a drugs factory in a raid on a home in an Essex coastal village.

Between 30 and 40 cannabis plants were seized by officers.

Insp Paul Fieldsend said cannabis plants were being cultivated at the house.

He said: "An officer on patrol thought he could smell cannabis coming from a house," he said.

"Shortly afterwards a man turned up and went inside, so the officer knocked on the door and put it to the individual that he could smell cannabis.

"The officer then found a quantity of herbal cannabis inside the property.

"It was then discovered that there were facilities for growing cannabis with artificial lighting in the basement."

A man was arrested in relation to the incident, in Spring Road, St Osyth, and was taken to Clacton police station for questioning.

He has been released on police bail until the haul is analysed.

A man was also arrested after another drugs raid on a house in Windmill Park, Great Clacton, The 35-year-old man was arrested as a result of a drugs warrant obtained by the neighbourhood policing team.

Following the incidents, Tendring district commander, Chief Insp Jonathan Hayter, called on residents to help in the battle against drug dealing.

"This is a direct response to concerns being raised in general by residents.

"Obviously we would want the local community to continue feeding us information about drug-selling in their areas."

Anyone with information about drug dealing is asked to call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.