Police discover a £168k cannabis farm after a fire in Middlesbrough
The blaze began at a property on Lothian Road yesterday (3rd October)
A cannabis farm was discovered in neighbouring addresses when a property caught fire in Middlesbrough.
The incident happened on Sunday 3rd October on Lothian Road, when Cleveland Fire Brigade colleagues were called to reports of smoke coming from the roof.
A small electrical fire was found on the upstairs landing, believed to be caused by faulty wiring.
Fire brigade colleagues who also checked the neighbouring property for damage also found cannabis plants located inside.
In total, around 200 cannabis plants at varying stages of growth were located, estimated to be worth up to £168,000.
Sergeant John Sproson, from Middlesbrough neighbourhood team, said:
“This shows the danger of cannabis farms. Fortunately nobody was injured in this incident, however, if the fire had taken hold and spread along the other terraced houses in the street, the outcome could have been tragic.
“We would encourage anyone who may have information regarding any suspicious activity or addresses where they believe that cannabis may be being grown, to call us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Officers were able to salvage some of the compost from the addresses and deliver it to the local residents on Faraday Street to support the makeover of their alleyway.