Photos show 50 cannabis plants found in Canvey raid

A police officer was assaulted after police smashed down the door to the suspected cannabis farm on Harvest Road.

An officer involved in the raid was attacked as police found more than 50 cannabis plants being grown in a home on Monday morning.

Footage from the scene shows one officer smashing the window of the door, before unlocking it and storming inside with the rest of the team.

Witnesses on the road reporting seeing police forensic teams in the road throughout the morning.

Andrew Sheldon, leader of Castle Point Council, praised police for another successful operation.

He said: “Our police are heroes and none of them deserve to be assaulted in the line of duty.

“Our brave officers put the safety of the public first and we wish the officer a speedy recovery.

“It’s a fantastic discovery for the police, but worrying that this sort of thing is happening in our community.

“Recently it feels like we are getting more and more reports of people dealing and smoking cannabis, it causes great concern among residents.

“I don’t think people realise that cannabis can be a gateway to other, harder drugs, and can be a factor in putting people in County Lines.

“I support the police in their action and urge anyone with any concerns in their street to let the police know.”

One man has been arrested, police say.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Our officers carried out a warrant at an address in Harvest Road, Canvey this morning.

“During the warrant officers found a cannabis grow.

“An officer also reported during being assaulted during the incident.

“A 51 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and assaulting an emergency worker.

“He is currently in custody.”

The Essex Operational Support Group, which assists with serious crimes and responses across the county, also assisted at the raid.

Contact Essex Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.