A SUSPECTED cannabis farm has been found in a three-storey house in Stacksteads, police have said.

Police said what is believed to be cannabis plants and plant-growing equipment were found at the house in Newchurch Road, Bacup, yesterday morning. A local man has been taken into custody and is awaiting questioning.

Neighbours said police arrived at the house, which had recently been purchased for renovation, at 8.30am with a United Utilities van.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "It was a bit of a shock to find this happen in the street. This gentleman appeared about two to three months ago and said he had brought the property and was going to do it up.

"You could hear hammering and banging coming from inside."

Detective Sergeant Phillip Turner, of Rossendale CID, said: "Officers attended an address in Stacksteads whereby a quantity of what is believed to be cannabis plants and growing equipment was found.

"A man is in custody in respect of this offence and the investigations are ongoing.

"United Utilitles were called out because of the configuration of the building. They attended because it was unsafe in terms of health and safety.

"The premises are still being searched and we do not know how many plants have been found."