Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Fire crews from Burnley and Nelson had to force entry into the Colne Road shop just before 7am this morning before they could tackle the blaze.

Police officers arrived on the scene and once inside the premises it was clear it was being used for a massive illegal operation set up with around 1,000 cannabis plants after the electricity supply to the property was bypassed.

Sgt Victoria Bramley said: "It’s incredibly lucky that nobody was seriously injured or killed as the property was linked to a number of others.

Police have launched a major investigation after a 'substantial' cannabis farm was uncovered at empty shop premises in Burnley that went up in flames today.

"We know cannabis and its legalisation is a contentious issue, but cannabis farms on this scale are usually linked to organised crime, child exploitation and modern slavery - to name a few."

No arrests have been made at this stage but investigations are ongoing.

If you can help with information relating to this crime you can report online at www.lancashire.police.uk or via independent charity Crimestoppers

Police believe 'substantial' cannabis farm find at fire hit Burnley shop could be linked to organised crime and child exploitation