Two people have been arrested after cops discovered a 'cannabis farm' following a house fire. Firefighters spent three hours at the scene on Croft Road, in Sale, Trafford.
Crews were called out after the blaze broke out at around 7pm last night (May 1). But two hours later, Greater Manchester Police were called to the property, where a suspected cannabis farm was discovered.
A man and a woman have since been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and abstracting electricity. Three fire engines were needed to tackle the blaze, and GMP has now issued a warning about the risks of cannabis farms.
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A GMP spokesperson said: "At around 9pm on Monday 1 May 2023, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a bedroom fire at a property on Croft Road, Sale. Officers attended to support colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).
"Upon further inspection, officers believe there to be a cannabis farm in the loft of the property. A man and a woman have been arrested for cultivation of cannabis and abstracting electricity.
"Incidents such as these can cause significant risk not only to the occupants but to neighbouring residents and properties due to the dangerous practices involved. These include high powered heat lamps, chemicals and the bypassing of electrical meters with significant usage of electricity that can cause fires to break out."
A GMFRS spokesperson added: "Just after 7pm yesterday evening (Monday, May 1) we received a report about a fire on Croft Road, Sale. The fire involved the first-floor bedroom and loft space of a semi-detached property.
"Three fire engines from Stretford, Sale, and Altrincham fire stations were quickly mobilised to the incident, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reels and a positive pressure ventilation fan to extinguish the flames and clear smoke from the building. Crews were at the scene for around three hours.”
Members of the public are urged to report suspected cannabis farms to GMP, by calling 101 or visiting the force's website. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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