Witnesses today told of how they saw police swoop on an alleged cannabis factory in Ipswich town centre.

Around 30 plants and seedlings were said to have been seized during a police raid on a first floor flat in Eagle Street, near the junction with Bond Street.

Officers arrived at the rented property, which is above a shop, at around 9am yesterday.

The shop was not connected to the search that was made by officers who executed the search warrant.

One bystander, who saw events unfold, said: “There were two police cars pull up. The officers went in through the back gate. Police were in the flat all morning.

“Just before 2pm I saw them take out bagfuls of what looked like ‘weed’.

“A policewoman put three big bags on to the passenger seat of a vehicle and her male colleagues were putting what looked like ‘weed’ and lighting and other equipment into the back of their van.

“For the last few weeks I have been smelling something odd.”

Police were said to have gone into the property through the back entrance in Bond Street.

One shopkeeper, who also witnessed what went on, said he also saw the female officer putting bags in a police vehicle.

A 21-year-old from Ipswich was arrested by police on suspicion of cannabis production.

He was taken to Suffolk Constabulary’s police investigation centre at Martlesham for questioning. He has been bailed until November 5.

A police spokesman said they believed around 30 plants were seized.