A FOUR foot long caiman, a member of the alligator family, native to Central and South America, was among items discovered when  officers from Thurrock's Neighbourhood Policing Team visited a property in Aveley with a warrant to search the premises.

As well as the dangerous reptile officers seized cannabis, weapons and arrested two people.

The warrant was executed at an address in the Purfleet Road area yesterday (Thursday, 17 April).

During the search officers discovered a significant cannabis grow and several weapons including knives.

A 36 year-old man from Purfleet has been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, contravention of the dangerous wildlife act, and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 35 year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, possession with intent to supply drugs, contravention of the dangerous wildlife act, and possession of an offensive weapon.

They have both since been released under investigation.

The cannabis grow.

Inspector Daniel Selby, from the Grays Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Drugs cause misery in our communities and we work hard to tackle their production and sale.

"We know this matters to the public and we value our neighbourhoods so these issues matter to us.

"We are also ensuring the welfare of the caiman and have left it in the hands of the RSPCA".