AN investigation has been launched after a number of large suspected cannabis plants were discovered in the open.

The plants, which were found in the Wareham area this morning, have been seized by officers.

Posting on the Purbeck Police facebook page, Purbeck neighbourhood policing team said that they "came across some very interesting plants this morning".

"We called our colleagues to help us take them down as they were pretty tall – as you can see them next to Mike, our 6ft 5ins PCSO," a spokesperson for the team said.

"These plants were very well looked after and we are sure their owners will be missing them, so if they would like to speak with us, they are welcome to come to Wareham Police Station and we can have a chat."

Meanwhile, a Dorset Police spokesman confirmed with the Echo that the plants had been discovered in the Wareham area at 9am this morning.

The police spokesman said: "We are unable to give any more information at this time as an investigation is ongoing and enquiries are ongoing to identify the owner of the plants."