A suspected cannabis cafe has been closed down as police step up their operation against the drugs trade in Worthing.

Seven detectives and uniformed officers went to the building in Victoria Road, near Worthing station, yesterday as the property was repossessed by its owners.

The officers found only one person inside and there were no arrests.

Detective Inspector Nigel Brown, who is leading Operation Harrow, aimed at closing down Worthing's cannabis cafes, said the building "looked like a nightclub" inside.

A uniformed policeman was posted on the door after yesterday's operation with orders to turn callers away.

Det Insp Brown said: "It wasn't a raid. We have attended with the owners who have retaken control and possession of the property.

"A great deal of work and money had obviously been put into setting it up.

"There was one person found on the premises who left at the request of the owners.

"No one was arrested and the owners have removed the entire contents of the premises, including furniture.

"There is a significant clientele for the cannabis cafes in Worthing. People are coming from outside the Worthing district to go to them."

Mr Brown said the closure of cannabis cafes in Worthing was a key priority for police, who fear they have become a magnet for organised crime.

He said: "There has been a significant period where investigations not visible to the public have been conducted.

"More evidence is being obtained. There are wide ranging lines of inquiry. We have now moved to a phase where the operation is high visibility.

"There has been for ten days now a much higher profile, with uniformed officers patrolling in the vicinity of the cafes."

He warned those involved in supplying cannabis would be subject to arrest and orders would be made to seize assets.

Last week members of the East Worthing Action Group voiced concern about another suspected cannabis cafe in Brougham Road.

They said children had been seen going in and out of the premises, which was confirmed by councillor Sheila Player, leader of Worthing Borough Council, who attended the action group's annual meeting.

She said police were taking the matter very seriously.