AROUND 500 plants have been seized after officers on routine enquiries discovered a cannabis factory in South Elmham St James on Wednesday.A police officer and a Police Community Support Officer were calling at addresses in the area as part of house to house enquiries following the theft of a motor vehicle - a black Nissan Navara - from Moles Lane in Ilketshall St Margaret around 10.

AROUND 500 plants have been seized after officers on routine enquiries discovered a cannabis factory in South Elmham St James on Wednesday.

A police officer and a Police Community Support Officer were calling at addresses in the area as part of house to house enquiries following the theft of a motor vehicle - a black Nissan Navara - from Moles Lane in Ilketshall St Margaret around 10.45am on Wednesday.

As they called at farm premises in South Elmham St James around 1.30pm they heard a crashing noise and saw a man running from the back of the house. Moments later they realised why - the house had been turned into a cannabis factory with hundreds of plants being grown in three rooms.

Officers were mobilised, including the police helicopter and a dog unit, but the man could not be located. Enquiries are continuing to trace him.

Police are urging residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicions that premises may be being used as a cannabis factory.

Detective Sergeant Matt Bodmer, of the Waveney District Support Team, who attended to clear the premises said: “This shows that these factories can be set up anywhere - it doesn't have to be in the middle of urban areas - and we would renew our appeals for landlords and neighbours to call us if they have any concerns that houses or other premises are being used in this way.”

Anyone with information should call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.