ELECTRICITY engineers helped to close down a large cannabis farm after they came across some unusual wiring while carrying out their work.

The police were called by Electricity North-West workers on Wednesday after they became suspicious of unusual activity while working on Willows Lane in Accrington.

The wires were followed into the basement of a nearby house. Entry was forced and a sophisticated cannabis factory with around 250 plants inside was discovered.

The plants, which were at various stages of growth, were spread over 12 rooms in the building with associated heating and lighting equipment.

A spokesman for the force said: "Officers across Lancashire regularly dismantle, bag and destroy cannabis grows.

"Often behind a cannabis grow is an organised crime gang, who are actively exploiting the vulnerable (including children) for their own financial gain.

" Many of these people have often been trafficked from other countries with the promise of a better life, many live in squalor and many are subjected to violence and abuse.

"In addition, grows of this size (and as is the case with this particular set up) can make houses unsafe through faulty electrics, often putting the whole street in danger. 

"Houses (that don’t belong to the occupants) are often destroyed due to drilling through walls, doors and under flooring to set the equipment up.

"A huge cost to the owner and a huge emotional cost to the families and neighbours who live amongst the daily disruption, criminality and hostility that cannabis farms bring."

No arrests have been made at this time but an investigation is underway and enquiries are ongoing. Log 0449 of January 12th refers.

Anyone with information or concerns about this or about drugs in their community should contact us on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.