A drugs factory capable of producing thousands of pounds worth of cannabis was discovered by police during an early-morning raid.

About 50 cannabis plants, together with growing equipment, were removed from the attic of the house in Whitley Road, Eastbourne, yesterday after six officers swooped on the address.

Sergeant Julia Pope, of the East Downs Division tutor unit, said: "There is much being said about the classification of cannabis at present, particularly whether or not its use should be reclassified.

"However, we believe we have come across a professional enterprise suitable for commercial production.

"Taking this out of commission will help keep our streets free of drugs and the related crimes which help addicts feed their habits."

The raid is part of ongoing police operations to rid the streets of drugs.

Earlier this year, Operation County resulted in the arrest of 40 people for crimes involving crack cocaine and heroin.

Chief Inspector Martin Stevens, commander for Eastbourne borough, said: "We are committed to preventing the spread of drugs in Eastbourne and this is part of a continuous drugs offensive to win the war against the dealers."

A woman in her early 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and cultivate. The plants are being analysed.

Police also removed a false wall to discover buds, believed to be cannabis, and growing equipment.