POLICE raided a cannabis factory in Leyton - but failed to arrest anybody.

Officers raided a property in Colchester Road at 7am and found 500 cannabis plants alongside a hydroponics growing system.

But the people who had been growing the drugs were not there and police are now trying to track them down.

Sergeant Simon Robson, who took part in the operation, said: "Cannabis factories are connected to criminal gangs and contribute greatly towards the amount of drugs on the streets of the ward, the borough and the city.

"This operation demonstrates that we take all information provided to us from the community seriously, and it is imperative that we continue to work together with the local community to combat crime in our neighbourhood.

"It also sends a clear message to the perpetrators that this type of crime will not be tolerated."

The raid happened last Friday (April 17) but police have only now made details of the operation public.

Anyone with information relating to the production, growth and sale of cannabis can contact their local police Safer Neighbourhood team, details can be found at www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods. Alternatively call 0300 123 1212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.