Police uncover cannabis factory

More than 300 cannabis plants have been uncovered in a disused cinema at Warrington.
Police swooped on the building in Powell Street, Latchford after receiving information from members of the public.
Once inside, officers discovered it had been set up for the production of large quantities of cannabis.
The hundreds of plants inside included mother plants.
A 41-year-old local was arrested nearby on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. He helped police with their enquiries throughout the day and was later bailed pending further forensic enquiries.
The plants – and the equipment used to grow them – were seized and taken away for forensic examination.
Inspector Gary McIntyre, of Warrington South Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “This is a significant find and fortunately we have been able to put a stop to this. The site is a disused cinema and had been set up for the production of large quantities of cannabis – we believe it could have yielded a significant output.”
The raid was part of ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of drugs in the local community.
Inspector McIntyre added: “I hope that the actions of local officers show how committed we are to tackling the issues that matter to the local community. Residents have told us that drug related activity in the area is an issue of real concern and, in response to those concerns, we have executed a number of warrants and seized a large quantity of drugs.
“Drug use and supply will not be tolerated in Warrington and local officers will continue to react swiftly and positively to any information in relation to drug related crime in the area.”
The inspector urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity in the area – or to report any building they suspect is being used to grow cannabis.