When two neighbourhood police officers agreed to deliver a stray letter to an address in Greater Leys, they were simply doing the community a good turn.

But they were more than rewarded when they stumbled across a cannabis factory at the house.

Sgt Ian Roch and Special Constable Oscar Hayward were doing rounds in the estate on Friday night when they were stopped by a member of the public who had found a letter for an address in Pipit Close.

But when they arrived at the property, Sgt Rob Axe, pictured, said: “They were greeted by a very strong smell of cannabis, which nearly knocked them over, and by two wide-eyed, scared people.”

Sgt Axe said the two men managed to escape, adding: “We found 60 saplings, 45 2ft plants close to harvest and 40 other 2ft plants.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.