OFFICERS have uncovered a £16,000 cannabis farm at a house in Great Harwood.

Police carried out a raid at a house in Walmsley Street and found 32 mature plants, some of which were over 5ft tall, packed in to three rooms.

Nobody was in the property when the police raided it on Saturday morning but officers said they were working to find the owner of the cannabis plants, which are said to have a street value of around £16,000.

Police searched the house after receiving information from the public about a possible cannabis farm inside.

Electricity was also being abstracted at the house, a police spokesman said.

A police spokesman said: "On Saturday morning PC Vicky Heys, along with colleagues from the Operational Support Unit, executed a warrant obtained under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a property on Walmsley Street in Great Harwood.

"Inside officers found three rooms packed full of mature cannabis plants, some of which were in excess of 5ft tall."

Community leaders have welcomed the news and encouraged anyone with information about possible cannabis production to get in contact with the police.

County Councillor Gareth Molineux, who represents Great Harwood, said: "£16,000 is not an insignificant amount of money and that amount of cannabis could have had a real impact on people's life.

"I am sure the residents of the area are happy with this issue has been dealt with and as with any crime would encourage anyone with suspicions that something illegal is going on to contact the police.

"I was talking to Inspector Pam Holgate about cannabis production last week and it is quit clear that it is an issue popping up all over Lancashire, not just Great Harwood. But with 900 fewer officers it's becoming increasing more difficult for the police to win this war."

If you suspect there is cannabis being grown on your street or there is a drug dealer causing problems in your area then contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

You can also report anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.