DRUGS gangs are believed to have raided cathedral grounds to boost a local cannabis growing operation.

Thieves are thought to have taken the floodlights used to light up the elegant building in Blackburn town centre to provide heat for the illegal cultivation.

The theory has horrified the Provost of Blackburn, Very Rev David Frayne, who has warned the floodlights may have to be lifted above ground level if the thefts continue.

Three floodlights, worth more than £1,000, have been stolen from the Cathedral grounds in the last fortnight - despite extra crime prevention measures following a series of similar thefts last year.

The Provost said: "I am led to believe that they were stolen to provide heat needed in the growing of cannabis."

He added: "I am so sad that drug taking is on the increase and horrified to learn the lengths those involved will go to make their money."

The thieves used crowbars to steal the floodlights which were bolted to the ground following the theft of five floodlights worth £2,000 from the Cathedral last year.

The Provost said: "We would hope that the public will be vigilant and help us to what extent they can and we also hope that after the boulevard improvements there will be more people around to the east of the Cathedral."

A spokesman for Blackburn police said: "We are investigating these thefts are would like to hear from anyone who knows where these floodlights are."

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