NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after 30 cannabis plants were found in a house just yards from two schools.

Police carried out a search warrant on a property in Colchester Road, Lawford, at 5am on Tuesday on behalf of the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions.

Once inside the house – which is just yards away from Manningtree High School and Highfields Primary School – they found about 30 plants.

A resident who did not want to be named said: “We first noticed something was going on about 6am, when there were three police cars outside.

“We have not had much trouble in the area for two or three years and it has been very quiet recently.”

Parish and county councillor for Lawford, Carlo Guglielmi, was also taken aback by the discovery.

“It is extremely shocking in a residential area to have found what appears to be a cannabis factory so close to two schools,” he said.

“This is a lovely area and you don’t expect this. It is a very close, tight-knit community.

“Thankfully, it has been uncovered by the good work of Essex Police.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are continuing with their inquiries following the execution of a warrant at an address in Colchester Road, Lawford, at 5am on Tuesday, October 14.

“A 54-year-old woman from Romford and a 45-year-old man from Manningtree were arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug offences.

“The woman was released without charge. The man has been bailed until Tuesday October 28 pending further enquiries."