£200,000 cannabis factory found

Detectives said there were 77 cannabis plants in the pub

Operators of a cannabis factory were being hunted by police on Friday.

More than 75 adult cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of £200,000, were discovered in a derelict pub in Greater Manchester on Thursday.

Detectives were called to the Red Lion in Chapel Street, Patricroft, Salford, at about 1250 BST.

Members of the public reported the building looked like it had been broken into, and said they could see a number of stripped cannabis plants inside.

A full search of the building revealed there was also lighting, heating and watering equipment, used to cultivate cannabis, in the cellar.

I am sure local residents will have seen people going to and from the pub Det Con Neil Charnock, Eccles CID

"Someone has obviously gone to a lot of time and trouble setting up this cannabis factory and has gone to great lengths to conceal their activities," said Det Con Neil Charnock, who is leading the investigation.

"However, unfortunately for them, we have halted what would have been a vast money-making opportunity.

"As well as the immediate impact this recovery has had we have also had a more positive impact upon the streets of Manchester."

He appealed for residents living in the Chapel Street area, which is just off the A57 Liverpool Road, to contact police.

"I am sure that there are some local residents who will have seen people going to and from the pub over the past weeks," Det Con Charnock added.