A CANNABIS farm – which had the potential to make £6m in a year - has been shut down following an early morning raid by officers today, Friday.

The drugs factory, which was discovered in the former nightclub, Club Wired, on Mersey Street, held more than 1,600 cannabis plants.

Four people including two men, aged 34 and 48, have been arrested in relation to the incident.

They are currently being dealt with in police custody after officers from Warrington Town Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) raided the building at around 8am.

Inspector Richie Watts from Warrington Town NPU: "This was a significant find and fortunately, we have been able to put a stop to it. 

"Over 1,600 cannabis plants of varying stages of growth have been recovered from inside the premises. 

"This is a great result as we believe that these drugs could well have been destined for the streets of Warrington or further afield. 

"This is an extremely large cannabis factory, and we estimate the street value of all of the plants is approximately £1.5 million, which could generate a potential annual income of over £6 million."

Inspector Watts added that this was an issues police take seriously.

He said: "Members of the public can rest assured that our efforts in this area will continue.

"Information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug related crime. 

"Drug use and supply is an issue of concern for the local community and we continue to do all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity."

Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activity in their area by contacting Cheshire Police on 101.

Alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.