POLICE stumbled across a drugs factory while making routine inquiries.

Officers from Hainault Safer Neighbourhoods Team went to a house in Latchford place, Hainault, to chase up some outstanding arrest warrants.

On knocking at the door a man ran off through the rear garden.

He was chased through gardens and detained by officers.

A spokeswoman said: "On returning to the address to establish the suspects details police found a canister of mace on the floor next to the sofa.

"The man was arrested for possession of a section five firearm.

"On carrying out a search of the premises a cannabis factory was discovered on the first floor."

The man was further arrested for cultivation of cannabis and was bailed pending forensic examination of the CS spray until September 16.