AN investigation is underway after the discovery of a suspected cannabis farm in Bacup town centre.

Fire crews from the town's station were called to a property in Yorkshire Street at around 4.50pm last night.

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A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said it was initially suspected that there might be the risk of a gas explosion.

But the blaze appeared to have been out by the time firefighters arrived on the scene.

The discovery of what appeared to be cannabis plants then led to police being called in.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said there had been a report that one the windows at the house had been smashed, though this may have been as a result of the fire.

Cannabis plants were discovered in the loft area and taken away for forensic examination.

No arrests have yet been made, according to police, and enquiries are still ongoing into the incident.

Four police vehicles and two fire engines are said to have remained at the scene for some time, say onlookers, as traffic was diverted around the area.

An eyewitness said they appeared to have been there for around four hours before the road, which leads out to Todmorden, was reopened.

He said a second floor window had been smashed and officers could be seen carrying paper sacks out of the property.