POLICE have uncovered a sophisticated cannabis factory in the quiet village of Baxenden.
Two hundred mature plants with a street value of several thousand pounds were seized from an address in Manchester Road, close to Southwood Drive.
Inspector Dave Mangan, of Accrington Police, said: "This was a significant seizure of cannabis and inquiries are continuing to find the person or people responsible.
"This is an extremely rare find in the Baxenden area and I urge anyone with information on drug activity in the community to come forward and contact us."
Police also seized a full hydroponics system, used to enhance the plants’ growth by providing light and heat, in the raid which has left villagers stunned.
A horrified neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I am absolutely gobsmacked. Things like this just don’t happen in Baxenden. This is a really nice place to live and usually very quiet."
She added: "I share a yard with six other properties including the house that was raided. I am very annoyed at the owner of the house because in my opinion he has shirked his responsibilities and endangered the lives of the five children who use this shared yard by not making regular checks on his property."
Police were at the house for around seven hours dismantling equipment and removing the illegal plants.
Residents are now having to see off local teenagers who keep getting into the yard to try and sneak a look at the house because of its notoriety.
Anyone who has information about the incident should contact Accrington Police on 353103 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
