IT is one of the most exclusive districts in the area with plush properties lining the secluded cul-de-sac.

Set back from pristine manicured lawns and topiary trimmed hedges, the West End neighbourhood is home to captains of commerce and has seen more than a handful of Saints players come and go.

However, the tranquillity of the upmarket community, where properties regularly change hands for up to half-a-million pounds, was dramatically shattered when police made an unlikely discovery at one of the imposing detached homes.

Behind the brick-fronted five-bedroomed residence in Lime Gardens lay hidden thousands of cannabis plants filling every room.

Police were first alerted to the house by electrical engineers. They had been called to the area in response to reports of electricity short-outs at neighbouring properties.

When they came to replace a fuse at a local substation they found the electricity box at the home had been bypassed, and called the police.

When officers entered the property they found that each of the five bedrooms along with the downstairs living accommodation had been converted into a cannabis factory. Hi-tech incubation equipment had been installed and in each room scores of plants were being cultivated.

A police spokesman added: "The plants were at varying degrees of growth but it certainly looked like a well-established set-up.

"We estimate the equipment being used to grow the plants was worth several thousands of pounds at least."

No one was at the £450,000 property when police arrived.

The plants were taken away and investigations are now under way. Yesterday the house remained empty. Reaction to the find was one of shock from neighbours.

"It is certainly not the sort of thing you expect to find in this sort of neighbourhood. We didn't know what to make of the police presence," said one resident.

"I am absolutely surprised. You do not expect this sort of thing in this area," added another.

A police spokesman said: "This was certainly an upmarket area of the village and it serves as a reminder that this sort of activity could be happening anywhere.

Police have not been able to trace who was living at the home which is believed to have been rented.

If anyone has any information about the discovery contact Eastleigh CID on 0845 045 4545.