MORE than 680 cannabis plants being grown in a commercial unit in Grays have been discovered by Essex Police.

In total, 688 plants were found across two floors of the property in Manor Road, including on a poorly constructed mezzanine.

The discovery was made yesterday (Monday, 15 February) and confirmed in a police statement that says: "We found six rooms filled with plants, a living space, a kitchen and two bedrooms.

"Our officers also found evidence of extremely dangerous electricity extraction.

"We liaised with UK Power Networks to make the building safe before our officers could enter to inspect the grow.

"No one was found to be at the unit at the time and no arrests have been made. Our enquiries are ongoing."

Local Policing Area Commander Ch Supt Stuart Hooper said: "This discovery only serves to reinforce how important it is for members of the public to report suspicious behaviour to us.

"While we are of course relieved to be making sure these drugs do not get onto the streets of Essex, our fight against drugs and the people who supply them in our communities continues.

"Drugs can fuel serious crime and violence in our communities, and we are committed to making our county a safer place for our residents and a place where anyone concerned in the supply of drugs knows they will be caught.

"With your help we can make your local community safer. You make the call, we'll make it stop."

Anyone with information on the discovery is asked to submit a report online at via this link where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm. You can also call 101 and cite incident 211 of 15 February.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.