Police uncovered a sophisticated cannabis factory after a raid on a residential address - but nobody was at home.

Officers suspect the property, in the Southchurch area of Southend, was being used solely for the production of the class B drug.

They found 87 plants being grown in four rooms of the house.

Although police were reluctant to place a value on the haul, a mature cannabis plant can be worth up to £2,000.

Sgt Ian Hughes, of the Southend community policing team, said the raid took place after information was received from the public.

He said: “We received a number of pieces of information regarding some suspicious activity at the premises.

“As a result of that, one of my officers obtained a warrant under section 23 of the misuse of drugs act and we executed it early yesterday morning.”

Mr Hughes said the raid was a positive result despite no arrests.

He added: “There was nobody at the premises, however there were four rooms with mature plants - 87 plants in total. Enquiries are continuing.

“We believe the premises was not being lived in and we are working with the landlord to identify any potential suspects. We had the crime scene investigators down and they have taken fingerprints. It was a successfully executed warrant.”

Mr Hughes did not disclose the exact location where the factory was found, in case it affects the investigation.

He said: “The factory was on the bigger side because they were mature plants and it was four rooms that were full.

“For us, it’s quite a big grow for a residential premises.

“Information provided to our officers resulted in a positive find and a large amount of cannabis being taken off the streets. We will always act on information received.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.