What we know so far: 'Large cannabis factory' found in Southampton

The factory was uncovered as police officers carried out inquiries on Millbank Street.

Here’s what we know so far.

What happened?

At 11.46am on Friday, as officers conducted enquiries at a warehouse in Millbank Street, they found a very large quantity of cannabis plants.

After seizing them, a scene was then put into place as officers determined the scale of production as well as the exact number of plans which eventually will be destroyed.

Were there any arrests?

Two men, aged 29 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of producing a class B drug.

A third man, 35, of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of producing a class B drug as well as abstracting electricity.

The three remain in custody while enquiries are ongoing.

READ MORE: 'They busted the door down': Residents shock as police find 'cannabis factory' after fire

‘It is worrying’

Some in the nearby Northam Estate have expressed concern while others said that this is a frequent issue in the area.

Tara Oakes, 34, has just moved into Kent Street two weeks ago said this makes her fearful for the safety of her child.

She said: “I’ve got a four year who old who is autistic, and you don’t know if it’s a gang that is putting the neighbours in danger here, you just don’t know.

“It is worrying that my son will grow up in this environment.”

‘This happens all the time’

Meanwhile, another resident said: “It’s not really a shock. This happens all the time. In broad daylight, people try to break into our cars.

“I’ve had my car broken into; my neighbours have had their car broken into. We just try to keep ourselves to ourselves”

A third resident said she fears for her children’s future, saying: “I’m not fearful for myself but for my kids who live here, they’re growing up here and this will just be normal for them, and it’s almost a normality for them and that’s a bit scary.”

It comes as police have appealed for witnesses after a house fire at a property on Oakley road unveiled around 200 cannabis plants.

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