We are at the scene of an address on Oxford Avenue following the discovery of a suspected cannabis factory inside the property yesterday (Tuesday 8 April).

We were called at 6.04am to a report of suspected drug-related activity in the area. Officers attended and found 106 suspected cannabis plants inside the address, all in various stages of growth.

Our SSE colleagues have attended to ensure the property has been made safe.

As part of our enquiries, we have arrested a 27-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of cannabis cultivation. He has since been released from police custody but remains on conditional bail while our investigation continues.

We know some people think it is just a bit of cannabis, but we want to stress that any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.

Large-scale operations are often run by organised crime gangs, who are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms.

The electrical requirement to grow a large amount of plants is also dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives, in danger.

We encourage people to please continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in your neighbourhood to police, as the information you provide helps us develop the bigger picture that leads us to take action and remove drugs from the streets.

You can contact us on 101 or online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Anyone with information regarding this specific incident should quote reference 44250152492.

You can also report information 100% anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/