CANNABIS worth hundreds of pounds was seized at an address in Blackburn.

Police discovered around 20 of the plants when they raided an address in Rockcliffe Street on Fridayafternoon.

Insp Claire Holbrook, of Blackburn Police, said: "This operation involved in excess of 15 officers from a number of different departments.

"I hope this sends a strong message to those engaging in crime that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour in our communities and we will take firm action against anyone found to be doing so."

Last month in an unconnected incident police were alerted to a suspected cannabis factory because of an unpaid electricity bill.

United Utilities sought a warrant and its officers forced entry to the house in Redlam, Blackburn, to disconnect the power.

But they ended up having to alert police to the suspected cannabis factory.

Officers later swooped on the address and seized around 30 plants.

That discovery came after dozens of officers raided an address in Stonyhurst Street, Blackburn earlier this month and seized more than 200 mature plants crammed into the two-bedroom property which were just about to be harvested.

Three people from Blackburn were arrested in connection with the operation in Rockcliffe Street, including a 20-year-old who was later released without charge. A 41-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man have been bailed until Tuesday, May 8, pending further enquiries.