Photos have shown the inside of a drug factory set up inside an empty shop in Laindon Shopping Centre.

Police uncovered the 1,000-plant factory on Tuesday after being called to reports of a man acting suspiciously. 

Photos reveal the inside of the unit and show the plants in various stages of development.

A police spokesman said the set-up was "sophisticated".

The 43-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis this morning.

He remains in custody for questioning.