POLICE have raided cannabis factories in Church, Accrington and Blackburn as the war against drug dealers continues.

Four men have been arrested in connection with the cultivation and supply of cannabis after thousands of pounds worth of the drug was found in swoops on five addresses.

At one house in Lion Street, Church, more than 100 mature cannabis plants were found along with heat lamps and other growing equipment in the roof.

Addresses in Edleston Street, Accrington, and Hyndburn Road, Accrington, were also searched along with Park Lee Road and Livesey Branch Road in Blackburn.

Police searched the empty property at Lion Street after information from their Crimestoppers hotline was passed on to officers.

In Edleston Street 14 cannabis plants were found growing and when officers searched the Hyndburn Road address cannabis was found along with growing equipment.

Sgt Allan Davies, of Accrington Police, said: "The misuse of drugs not only affects the lives of drug users but those of members of the community. We have not just seized a substantial amount of cannabis at a number of addresses but we have ensured the opportunity to obtain drugs in the area has been significantly reduced."

He added: "These raids send a clear message that the production and misuse of drugs will not be tolerated and we would urge anyone with information to contact the police on 08451 253 545 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111."

Officers also recovered small amounts of the drug and growing equipment from the two properties in Blackburn.

The four men, a 34-year-old from Hyndburn Road, Accrington, a 38-year-old from Edleston Street, Accrington, a 49-year-old from Park Lee Road, Blackburn, and a 36-year-old from Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, have been bailed by police until 28 July pending further inquiries.