Four people were arrested as officers from Essex Police teams and the RSPCA raided a caravan and portaloo and seized a number of caged birds.

The officers stormed the caravan and site in Gaylor Road, Tilbury, at around 7.45am on Wednesday 5 August.

Four people were arrested in connection with a string of offences including  conspiracy to commit theft of vehicles, possession of drugs, possession with intent to supply drugs and handling stolen goods.

Police say two people were released without charged while another pair were released under investigation.

RSPCA officers seized six hybrid goldfinch type birds.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We executed a warrant at a caravan in Gaylor Road, Tilbury, at around 7.45am on Wednesday 5 August.

"We arrested a 21-year-old man from Tilbury on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft of vehicles, possession of drugs, possession with intent to supply drugs and handling stolen goods.

"We arrested a 29-year-old man from Tilbury on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft of vehicles and handling stolen goods. A 19-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man have been released without charge. Both men have been released under investigation."

A spokeman for the RSPCA said: “This was a police-led operation and the RSPCA was asked to assist in the removal of six hybrid goldfinch type birds. The birds are now in RSPCA care.”