Bolton: ‘Cannabis farm’ found at scene of Breightmet fire

The blaze broke out on Mobberley Road at around 11pm on Saturday evening, with five fire engines called to the scene.

Firefighters battled the blaze long into the early hours and police now say that having taken closer look it appears there was a cannabis farm hidden in the house’s attic.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “At around 11.25pm Saturday 26 June 2023, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a fire at an address on Mobberley Road, Bolton.

Bury Times: A suspected cannabis farm was found in the house's attic A suspected cannabis farm was found in the house’s attic (Image: Public)

“Officers attended to support colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

“Upon further inspection, officers believe there to be a cannabis farm in the attic of the property.

“A woman in her 40s and a man in his 30s have been arrested for cultivation of cannabis and abstracting electricity.

“Both have been released on police bail.”

Bury Times: Police and firefighters were called to the scene Police and firefighters were called to the scene (Image: Public)

The fire proved to be extremely enduring, with crews using three jets, one hose reel and four breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire as well as a turntable ladder and a drone unit to tackle it.

Firefighters and police remained on the scene even into the next morning on Sunday but as yet no serious injuries have been reported.

Bury Times: Fire crews remained on the scene into the next morning Fire crews remained on the scene into the next morning (Image: Newsquest)

Following the man and woman’s arrest, police have now warned the public of the consequences that incidents like these can have.

The GMP spokesperson said: “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.

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“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.

“If you know of such practices, please contact Greater Manchester Police or crime stoppers which you can do anonymously online or by calling 0800 555 111.”

Information can also be passed on by calling police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.