Police raiding a suspected cannabis factory recovered a handgun and hundreds of pounds worth of the drug.

A man has been arrested following the swoop on a flat in Clarendon Road, Hove, yesterday.

Nine officers found almost 200g of cannabis with a street value of £400, a 3ft plant and specialist growing equipment.

A handgun was also seized, together with items of property, which had been stolen locally.

The man, aged 35, was last night being questioned by police.

Sergeant David Bettiss, of Hove police, said the raid heralded a renewed crackdown on drug dealers.

He said: "This gives out a clear message to drug dealers operating in Brighton and Hove that we will continue to target them.

"If they make a decision to deal drugs, they can expect a team of police officers to force an entry into their premises at any time and carry out a full search.

"There will many more such warrants over the forthcoming weeks."