HUNDREDS of cannabis plants are in the process of being seized from a town centre building following the arrests of four men.

Essex Police officers discovered a “significant” grow of roughly 500 cannabis plants shortly after 3pm on Tuesday inside a property in Colchester High Street.

In addition to the Class B drugs the force also found two men, aged 36 and 22, who were initially arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

Gazette: Growth - Roughly 500 cannabis plants were discovered inside a building in Colchester High Street

Officers then arrested a further two men, aged 58 and 29, after being tracked down not far from the scene. All four remain in custody.

Scenes of crime officers and expert drug witnesses are now working through the property and will continue to throughout the week.

Gazette:

Chief inspector Rob Huddleston, Colchester district commander, said: “Specialist officers will gather evidence to identify those involved in this cultivation.

“There will be concern among our community after this discovery, but I know this investigation is moving quickly - we are following several lines of enquiry.

Gazette: Scene - The site where the drugs were being grown

“The trade in illegal drugs is inextricably linked to violence and the proceeds from drugs funds more criminal activity, leading to fear and misery.

"Stopping the people behind the growth and sale of cannabis is vital in tackling violent crime and helps keep our community safe.”