A man has been arrested after police found a number of stolen vehicles inside an industrial unit.
Officers made the discovery on farmland off Shalford Road in Rayne.
Residents have reported seeing a heavy police presence in the area for more than a week.
Essex Police has now revealed its interest in the site and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesman said: "We discovered a number of stolen vehicles at an industrial unit on farmland in Rayne on Friday 15 November.
"We tracked a vehicle in London to a building off Shalford Road at around 11.15am before locating the parts of other cars.
"We believe the address was being used for the breaking down of stolen vehicles.
"We arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of handling stolen goods, theft of a motor vehicle and money laundering.
"He has been released under investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call Braintree police station on 101 quoting incident 373 of 15/11 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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