Ananova:

A police station was closed for two days after officers were overcome by the smell of giant cannabis plants being stored there.

Billericay police station in Essex was evacuated after the pungent smell of strong skunk plants filled the building within minutes.

The 150 seedlings and mature plants - some 5ft tall - were seized from the home of self-styled pro-cannabis campaigner Glynn Lowndes. Details of the closure emerged during a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Lowndes, of Basildon, was convicted of cultivating and possessing cannabis last month and he is due to be sentenced on Friday.

A police source said that the smell of cannabis in the defendant's flat was so overpowering that officers involved in the case had to take frequent breaks.

The plants were stored at a cell at Billericay police station but the odour eventually filled the entire building.

A source said: "The smell even filtered into the public reception area and people might have got the wrong idea.

"It took some time for the smell to go and the station was effectively closed."