Five people have been arrested after more than £50,000 worth of cannabis was seized in a police raid.

Essex Police received a tip-off that people were acting suspiciously at an address off Eastern Road, Burnham.

Officers responded at around 12.40pm on Friday.

They uncovered the haul of drugs and arrested three men and two boys on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

They were later released under investigation.

Following the incident, newly elected councillor, Nick Skeens said Burnham was being negatively affected by a “drug culture”.

He said that while cannabis itself may not appear the most serious of drugs, dealing in volumes of £50,000 could lead to a serious increase in crime.

Mr Skeens said: “There is a drug culture in this town and indeed in every small town around.

“The trouble is that once you get that sort of money involved in the deals, you start to have high level crime involved, so that is what makes it a very serious matter.”

Mr Skeens commended the police for their “good work”, and said it was not the first large-scale drugs bust carried out by officers in Burnham.

He added: “There is a widespread use of drugs in Burnham and it is a cause for concern, as it could be a great cause for crime.

“When criminal behaviour is involved that is certainly a serious issue.

Police confirmed they had seized a large amount of drugs at the scene, “estimated to be worth a five-figure sum” and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with any information to help police is urged to call Maldon police station, quoting crime reference 42/69274/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.