Cannabis plants seized at houses

A FIRE unearthed a cannabis factory in a quiet Huddersfield backstreet.

Firefighters were alerted after smoke was spotted billowing from a terraced house on Manor Street in Newsome.

They tackled the blaze at 3pm on Saturday afternoon - but could hardly believe what they found. They immediately contacted police.

The firefighters had discovered a major cannabis-cultivating hydroponic set-up, both downstairs and upstairs at the tiny home.

Dozens of plants were growing.

Inquiries led police to the house next door - where the cannabis factory was continued.

The plants have all been seized.

Scenes of crimes officers spent most of the weekend at the two houses, gathering evidence.

Detectives have urged anyone who saw any suspicious activity at the two homes to contact them immediately.

No arrests have been made so far and inquiries are continuing to trace the people who had set the factory up.

The fire is thought to have been sparked by the way the cannabis growers were using the electricity supply at the house to power the lights and heating need to grow the plants.

Det Con Russ Conlon, of Kirklees CID intelligence unit, said: "The factory was found by chance.

"We need to speak to anyone who saw people coming and going from those two houses.

"At the time they may have had no idea what was going on inside."

People living on the street told the Examiner they believed the homes were unoccupied.

The one damaged by the fire has a large yellow tarpaulin covering its fire-damaged roof. The door is also boarded up.

Ring police direct on 01484 436685 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.