A 52-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after police unearthed a cannabis farm at a house in Blackburn.

Officers carried out an early-morning raid at the property in Preston New Road yesterday after receiving a tip-off from the public.

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The man, who is from the town, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and abstracting electricity.

He was being quizzed by officers yesterday.

A police spokesman said a number of cannabis plants were found in one room of the house.

They added that cultivating and lighting equipment were also found in all of the other rooms in the property.

The spokesman said: “We were called at 1.45am on September 14 to reports of suspicious activity in Preston New Road, Blackburn.

“We have attended and discovered a cannabis farm at an address on the street.

“A number of cannabis plants have been found in one of the rooms and lighting equipment and cultivating equipment have been found in all the other rooms.

“A 52-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and abstracting electricity. He’s currently in custody.

“We would always encourage anyone who suspects criminal activity is going on in their area to contact us immediately.”

Community leaders and nearby business owners have spoken of their shock at the discovery.

Shear Brow ward councillor Hussain Akhtar said: “It isn’t good for the area.

“This behaviour is unacceptable.

“We do not want the disease of drugs in Blackburn.

“I will always speak out against them. They ruin lives.

“We want Blackburn to be a safe place.

“I urge anyone with information to contact the police.”

A nearby businessman said: “According to the mail man, the police have been there since the early hours of the morning.

“I am obviously surprised by it but you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101.