POLICE have uncovered a £25,000 cannabis factory in swanky new flats.

Officers from Warrington Central NPU noticed a strong smell when passing a flat at Greening Court, off Battersby Lane, on the former Carrington Wire site.

Insp Andy Ross said: “We managed to get a search warrant and rather than use a battering ram to knock down the door we got the keys off the licensing company and went round and found a big cannabis factory there.

“Inquiries are ongoing to find the occupants of the flat but I am confident with the evidence we have and forensic studies we will get good results.”

Insp Ross added that once the occupants are identified he will attempt to reclaim any unlawful profits they may have made from the operation through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He said: “It is just luck that there has not been a related fire yet as the lighting produces a very hot environment and that, combined with often poorly prepared and rigged electrics with meters illegally altered to enable free electricity, pose a very real danger of fire and people losing their lives.”

Insp Ross is willing to help landlords who may be concerned that their flats are being used in this way.

Anyone with information should call 0845 4586379 or e-mail warrington.central.

cat@cheshire.pnn.police.uk