Police are calling on the public to help rid Colchester of the deadly menace of drugs.

Colchester sergeant Jon Butcher made the plea after a tip-off led officers to uncover a suspected cannabis factory.

He said public information was "crucial" in making further inroads to reduce drug supply in the town.

And he pledged to act on anonymous intelligence swiftly.

Speaking to the Gazette he said: "It's not just one crime associated with drug taking but it is a host of anti-social activity that blights communities. and that is why we are keen to get drug use out of the area.

"Information given to us provides us with a very good starting point on which we can build, even though sometimes the information doesn't seem a lot."

Sgt Butcher made the comments after officers discovered a suspected drugs factory in the New Town area of Colchester.

Officers were sent to Morant Road, Colchester, following a tip-off. They found the house was being used as a hydroponics factory and dozens of plants, thought to be cannabis, were seized.

It is the latest discovery in the Colchester borough which has seen almost 40 drug dens uncovered in the last 12 months - double that of neighbouring Tendring.

Anyone wishing to report drug use or supply can call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.