BRAZEN cannabis farmers began growing a crop in the middle of woodland.

Police were called to a patch in a wooded area in Abberton after being informed about it by a member of the public.

Officers believe it to be cannabis and have shut down the site.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Thanks to an eagle eyed member of the public, officers from Colchester community policing team have found and seized approximately 60 cannabis plants from a wooded area in Abberton.

"Should the owner of the plants wish to come and speak to us about them, please feel free to pop into the police station which is open seven days a week.

"Alternatively, just give us a call, we will come and see you."

Anyone with information about cultivation should call 101.