SUSPECTED CANNABIS plants with an estimated street value of about £120,000 were found when police raided a property in Great Harwood.

The town’s neighbourhood policing team, including PC Vicky Wilson and PCSO Chris McKiernan, were acting on intelligence from the community.

A drugs warrant for the factory in St Lawrence Street was issued and officers, who were assisted by the operational support unit, found mature cannabis plants inside.

PC Vicky Wilson said: “We found about 240 cannabis plants at an address on St Lawrence Street following the execution of a drugs warrant.

“It was thanks to members of the community that we were able to find this illegal set up and seize the plants, taking them out of the hands of criminals.”

Although the plants were seized, nobody has yet been arrested.

The officer appealed for anybody with information about those responsible for this cannabis factory or the supply or production of drugs to contact police.

She added: “We need the public to continue to work with us to help us tackle drug crime by informing us of any suspicious activity.”

Councillor Kerry-Anne Molineux, who represents the Overton ward, said she had been shocked to find out illegal activity was happening in the area.

She added: “It is surprising to find out these kind of things are happening.

“I do not think this area is any worse than any other for cannabis production, but I do think this location was chosen because it was an empty building that was not in use. It has been taken advantage of.”

Cllr Molineux also encouraged residents to report any concerns or suspicions to the authorities.

Anybody with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.