A LARGE cannabis farm was discovered in Witham this week after police were called to a burglary.

In the early hours of Thursday (April 28) officers were called to what was thought to be a burglary at an industrial premises in Moss Road.

When officers attended the unit at 1am they found a smashed window and about 900 cannabis plants inside.

Sergeant Andy Christian, of Braintree community policing team, said: "This is a significant cannabis factory in an industrial premises which has clearly been converted inside for the purpose.

Braintree and Witham Times: Inside the 'significant cannabis factory' discovered. Photo: Essex PoliceInside the 'significant cannabis factory' discovered. Photo: Essex Police

"Our officers have seized around 900 cannabis plants and a large amount of bud.

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"They have already spent two days at the scene and will be there for the rest of the weekend, dismantling the extensive growing apparatus and shredding the plants and buds ready for destruction."

Officers will be guarding the scene 24 hours-a-day until it has been cleared.

Braintree and Witham Times: Cannabis plants being shredded. Credit: Essex PoliceCannabis plants being shredded. Credit: Essex Police

Inquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest those responsible for this cannabis cultivation.

Sergeant Christian added: "The trade in illegal drugs, no matter what the class, is often linked to violence and causes misery to vulnerable people who are caught up in it, as well as affecting the local community."

Those with information about anyone who may be cultivating or dealing drugs should call police on 101.