House fire ‘caused by electrics being used for cannabis farm’
A HOUSE has been badly damaged in a blaze after electrics were tampered with to cultivate a suspected cannabis farm.
Firefighters were called to a home on Blackberry Lane, Brinnington, on Thursday morning at 7.15am.
Three large tents full of plants believed to be cannabis were discovered on the first floor.
It is believed an electrical fault started the fire and was the result of power being diverted to provide heat and light for growing.
The exact number of plants in the farm has yet to be determined but is thought to number well over 100.
No one was inside at the time of the blaze and firefighters used breathing apparatus and a high powered water lance to tackle the flames.
The first floor of the house has been largely destroyed and its roof was damaged, as was the roof space of the two neighbouring properties.
Crews from King Street, Whitehill and Ashton fire stations were called to the scene.
Watch manager Greg Punshon said: “The house has been used as a cannabis farm, the full kit was there.
“Tampering with the electrics was potentially the source of the fire.
“The fire was well alight and started on the first floor and spread into the roof space. The first floor is completely gutted.”
Police were called to the blaze and an investigation including scene of crime officers has been launched.
A small part of Blackberry Lane outside the home was cordoned off and caused some buses to be diverted.
Electricity North West also sent representatives to the scene, who have begun their own investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.