Dopey cannabis growers dumped their pot plants in fear of being caught by police.

Two hauls of small cannabis plants were ditched in Convent Lane, Bocking, on separate days last week.

In one case, about 100, some of them harvested, appeared were flung in a pile off a country lane popular with dog walkers.

Braintree officers have been weeding out drug dealers and raided a house in Spencer Square, Bocking, last Monday.

But police do not believe the dumped plants are linked to the raid.

Sergeant Tom Bastendorff said: "This shows our tough stance on drugs in the Braintree district is having the desired effect.

"Criminals who are growing cannabis are taking to dumping their cannabis fearing an early morning visit from us."

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.