A large cannabis farm with a crop worth thousands of pounds was discovered by police who noticed the drug's distinctive smell while on patrol.

Officers seized 60 plants on land in the Fern Hill area, between Epping Green and Harlow, at around 3.50pm after noticing the odour.

There have been no arrests.

Inspector Paul Maleary said: "I and the local neighbourhood policing team were undertaking our regular patrols in the area when we noticed the smell of cannabis.

"It was then we discovered the plants.”

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.