CANNABIS was found in a freezer alongside ice cream cones as police uncovered a drugs farm in a hidden room.

Officers from the Wickford neighbourhood policing team raided the flat in Wilson Court, in Kershaw Close, Wickford, following a tip-off.

They knocked down the door of the flat yesterday afternoon where, on first glance, everything appeared normal.

But when they went into the bedroom of the rented property they found a purpose-built drug growing den.

A room had been constructed within the bedroom.

Made out of plasterboard, the secret room had a bolted door, which once opened revealed a small forest of cannabis.

The doors and walls of the room were lined with foil and there was a plethora of matured plants ready to be harvested.

Also within the room were a ventilation pipe and fan, as well as powerful hydroponic lighting.

In the hallway of the home another cupboard concealed a further haul of baby plants.

In the freezer in the kitchen, next to lollipops and ice creams, officers found a bin bag full of cropped cannabis, ready to be sold.

It is not yet clear how many plants were in the flat, but it is believed the value could run into thousands of pounds.

Sgt Scott Threadgold, of Wickford police, said: “We raided this property as a result of community intelligence and as part of our continued crackdown on those who deal and grow drugs.

“We have seized a significant quantity of cannabis, which will now be destroyed instead of hitting the streets of Wickford.

“We want people to take a message from this that, where we are made aware of drug cultivation or supply, we will act and deal with those responsible.

“We would also encourage residents to continue to inform us if they have information around people involved in the drugs trade.”

No one was in the property at the time, but police are trying to track down the person living at the home.

Anyone with information should call police on 0300 3334444.