UNITED Utilities officers investigating unpaid bills at a property in Whitworth discovered a cannabis farm.

The officers gained a warrant to access the terrace house, in Mill Fold, after a ‘large’ energy bill was left outstanding at the property.

In a bedroom at the house, they discovered 40 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of more than £10,000.

Sgt Mark Taylor, of Rossendale Police, said: “We are becoming a specialist unit in dismantling sophisticated cannabis farms because we find so many in the Valley.”

Anyone with information should call police on 10. Alternatively, people can ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.