A MAN has been cautioned by police after officers found 18 cannabis plants growing in his bedroom.

Officers in the area of Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, were following up concerns from residents and businesses about a pungent smell of cannabis.

The odour was located and led to a basement flat in Pevensey Road where 18 plants in various stages of growth were found inside a tent in the bedroom.

The 51-year old man living there was arrested on Saturday, September 10, on suspicion of the production of cannabis.

All plants and the related equipment were seized from the address.

The man admitted the offence and accepted a formal police caution that will be entered as a criminal record.

Local businesses were updated and one business owner said: "We have had parents coming in our shop with children, but when they smell the cannabis they turn around and leave. It has really affected our business."

PC Scott Franklin–Lester said: "This is a good example of community information being passed to local officers who responded quickly to deal with a problem that was affecting local businesses and residents.

"Hopefully they have now got back to normal without the pungent cannabis smell."