TWO pedalling police officers uncovered a cannabis factory in Woodgrange Drive, Southend.

Pc Paul Sheldrake and PCSO Luke Gamman were on bicycle patrols at 10pm on Sunday, May 9 around the Woodgrange estate when they smelt cannabis.

Following the smell to an address on Woodgrange Drive, Pc Sheldrake arrested four people and seized around 40 cannabis plants.

The two officers formed part of the new cycling team who patrol the Southend borough on bicycles as part of the force's Operation Velo.

Two Southend men, aged 24 and 22, and two London men, aged 29 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

They were released on police bail until Tuesday, July 13 pending further enquiries.