A large cannabis farm with a street value of approximately £700,000 has been uncovered in Padiham.

More than 1,000 plants were taken from three floors at an old factory on the junction of Green Lane and Stockbridge Road.

Three people - Dung Van Nguyen, 20, Hai Long Pham, 21, and a 14-year-old boy, all of no fixed address - were arrested. They were later released under investigation and police enquiries are ongoing.

Officers made the discovery at around 11pm on Thursday after receiving a call from a member of the public to reports of men acting suspiciously outside the factory.

After a search of the property officers found several separate growing areas, on two of the three floors, consisting of around 120-140 plants in each room.

Approximately 1,200 plants and 20 bin bags, that also appeared to be full of cannabis, were seized from the property.

Chief Inspector Ian Cooper said: “If anyone has any information about this cannabis factory or any others of a similar nature please don’t hesitate to get it touch.

"We will investigate and we will take action.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log number 1536 of January 23.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.