A “cannabis farm” was discovered at the scene of a fire that broke out at a closed down shop on a major road yesterday, Friday.

Police and firefighters were called to the blaze at the former dry cleaners on Chorley New Road, Horwich, at around 2.50pm.

Fire crews from Horwich and Bolton Central Fire Stations managed to tackle blaze within 30 minutes after which the police search began.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Once the fire was under control, emergency services were able to locate a cannabis farm containing three rooms filled with cannabis plants.

“These plants have subsequently been seized and will be destroyed.

The Bolton News: Firefighters tackled the blazeFirefighters tackled the blaze (Image: Public)

“Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire, and a scene will remain in place while officers conduct further enquiries.

“No arrests have been made at present.”

Speaking after the fire had been put out yesterday, Horwich crew manager Sam Dobson confirmed that no one had been injured.

The Bolton News: Firefighters were called to the sceneFirefighters were called to the scene (Image: Public)

He said: “We have been to a building fire in Horwich. It has been handed over to the police. 

"There was fire in the building, and smoke affecting the properties surrounding it, no people were involved. 

"We put the fire out pretty quickly, we turned out at around 2.15pm and sent four firefighter teams in with breathing apparatus and hose reels.

The Bolton News: Police have investigatedPolice have investigated (Image: Newsquest)

“The electrics within the building have been written off, but the fire damage within the building has been limited due to a quick response by the fire and rescue service, we got it under control pretty quickly. 

He added: "We handed it over to police at approximately 5.45pm, we had to wait for police to arrive, keeping the scene secure. 

"We were there for around three and a half hours, but we had the fire under control within the first 30 minutes." 

ALSO READ: Firefighters tackle blaze, with incident handed over to police

ALSO READ:  Police find two cannabis farms and two men arrested

ALSO READ: Cannabis farm discovered in Astley Bridge during police hunt

People passing by confirmed that the shop is believed to have been closed for some time.

Anyone with any information can call Greater Manchester Police on 101.

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

In the event of an emergency, members of the public have been urged to always call 999 as soon as possible.