A "significant" cannabis grow "spread across several rooms" has been uncovered in Southend's former St John's Ambulance headquarters as police remain on the scene.

Officers were initially called to reports of a disturbance in Queen's Road, Southend shortly after 4am this morning, where it was reported that individuals were causing damage to a car in the area.

They attended and found a significant cannabis grow inside the first aid charity's former Princes Street building.

A large cordon was put in place and forensics arrived at the scene this morning, where they remain as work is ongoing to dismantle the grow.

A police spokesman said: "Officers attended and found a significant cannabis grow inside a property, spread across several rooms.

“A scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing.

“No arrests have been made at this stage.

“Work is also ongoing to establish the number of plants and dismantle the grow.”