REMARKABLE pictures showing the scale of a cannabis farm found in Warrington town centre have been revealed.

Police have released these images of the plants discovered on Sunday morning in the former Eivissa bar on Bridge Street.

Inside, they discovered around 1,000 cannabis plants growing in the vacant building.

READ MORE > Police raid in former bar

A 27-year-old man and two 16-year-old boys were arrested at the scene on suspicion of production of a class-B drug (cannabis).

Warrington Guardian:

All three have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Simon Meegan, from Warrington local policing unit, said: Thanks to the information received from a member of the public we have been able to seize a quantity of drugs which could have been destined for the streets of Warrington.

“This is a great result and it truly shows how information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug related crime.

Warrington Guardian:

“We know the negative impact illegal drug use and supply can have on the community and we continue to do all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity.

"Residents are urged to report any suspicions of illegal drug-related activity to the police.”

Police have issued advice about the signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm:

Warrington Guardian:

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• A strong and sickly sweet smell

• Equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a property, such as lighting and ventilation equipment

• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – cannabis farms often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings

• People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see

• Strong and constant lighting day and night

Warrington Guardian:

• High levels of heat and condensation – cannabis farms often give off heat and the windows stay misted up

• A constant buzz of ventilation – listen out for a whirring sound as the growers try to create an ideal climate for cannabis plants to grow

Warrington Guardian:

• Lots of power cables – offenders often dig underground to lay cables that hook up to things like lamp posts so they do not have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use.