SEVEN people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation being led by the Essex Police serious and organised crime unit which culminated in a raid on a Grays industrial premises yesterday (Tuesday, 3 June).

Armed officers carried out a warrant at an industrial unit off Tower Road on the Globe industrial estate in Grays shortly after 6pm.

During that operation, the seven arrests were made.

A search of the unit uncovered three cannabis grows, which are currently being dismantled for examination and seizure.

Officers at the scene.

Officers also located a large amount of vehicle components and some intact vehicles.

Searches will continue at the unit throughout the day.

All seven men remain in custody being questioned on suspicion of drug and firearm offences.

Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said: "I know that the local community may have concerns around this, but I would like to reassure them that this was a targeted and professional operation which never put anyone else at risk – and there is no wider risk to our public.

"The investigation into these seven people will now progress appropriately.

"We will always pursue those people suspected of being involved in these types of criminality and work determinedly to take them off our streets."