POLICE are continuing to investigate the background after a cannabis-growing site was discovered in the heart of Stanford-le-Hope following an alert related to a possible raid on the property.

A statement from the force confirmed discovery of the site in an empty property, 4 Corringham Road.

It says: "We were called shortly before midnight on Tuesday, 23 July to reports of suspicious activity at a property in Stanford-le-Hope.

"Officers quickly attended and located a cannabis grow inside the property.

"Two men were detained in the vicinity and arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

"They have been released on bail until 10 October whilst we continue our enquiries.

"The cannabis plants have been seized and will be destroyed."