A cannabis 'factory' was discovered by police who raided an east Oxford house.

Specialist equipment was used to break through the door of the Howard Street home yesterday (Friday, March 18).

More than 40 cannabis plants were seized, along with pills and other drug paraphernalia.

Police, who suspected drugs were being cultivated, entered and searched the house after being granted a warrant by Oxford magistrates.

They had first knocked on the door, but the house was empty. Hydroponic equipment was set up in a first-floor room, where the cannabis plants were growing.

Sgt Kevin Crick said: "We seized the exhibits and took photographs of it all. This is the second large haul of cannabis we have had in six weeks.

"It is about reducing the supply of drugs in east Oxford and getting officers to act on any intelligence we receive."

No-one was arrested or charged in connection with yesterday's raid, and police inquiries are continuing.

Thames Valley Police is clamping down on Class A drugs dealers, and although cannabis has been downgraded to Class C, police say they will not turn a blind eye.

The drug will be confiscated from anyone found in possession, and people with a history of cannabis use will be arrested.

Sgt Crick said the plants and pills seized would be sent to chemists to be analysed.

He said it was thought the 'factory' was linked to a similar one discovered in Randolph Street, east Oxford, in February, when 86 cannabis plants and hydroponic equipment was seized.

Those plants were found after cycle patrol officers were alerted.

In January, there was a major seizure of cannabis at Manor Farm, off the A415 at Frilford Heath, near Abingdon, and a house in the town.

Three men aged 36, 40 and 69 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cultivate cannabis and were bailed until Monday, April 4.