AN investigation is underway after the discovery of a cannabis factory in Birkenhead yesterday.

Police discovered the factory in a property on Dacre Street after a report was received of suspicious activity at the premises.

The scene has been cordoned off for forensic examination and officers are in the process of removing hydroponics and over 200 plants from the property.

A 42-year-old man was arrested at the property on suspicion of production of cannabis. He currently remains in police custody.

Inspector Cliff Barr, Head of the Wirral Tactical Team, said: "We take cannabis cultivation very seriously as we recognise that drugs can blight the lives of innocent people. This was an excellent result and thanks to community intelligence we have been able to take a significant amount of drugs off the streets of Merseyside.

"We take all reports of illegal drugs activities in communities extremely seriously and will take robust action to put an end to the criminal behaviour of those involved in the drugs trade.

"We will continue to take action against those concerned in the drugs trade and ensure that these drugs are taken off our streets."

Anyone with any information about drugs activity in their area is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.