Here are the charred remains of a garage fire at a house where a suspected cannabis factory was discovered on New Year’s Eve.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service uncovered the 100-plant crop when tackling a blaze in Chipperfield Road, Kings Langley on December 31.

At first, the fire service told Hertfordshire Constabulary to stand down when they made the call at around 3am.

But just before 4am they called back to inform police a suspected cannabis farm had been found by firefighters inside the house.

 

Damage inside the garage

Operational support group officers attended the scene and around 100 plants were seized, Hertfordshire Constabulary said today.

No one was injured during the fire.

A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a controlled drug and has since been released under investigation.

Today, police warned the public to be on the lookout for similar operations after a “significant increase” in the number of factories in Hertfordshire.

Inspector Ian Grout from the Operational Support Group said: “Thankfully no one was hurt during the incident, but it could have easily been a very different story.

“Cannabis factories can pose a serious danger to life, as electrical safety features are often bypassed and holes are cut into internal walls which would allow a fire to take hold and spread rapidly, possibly even to neighbouring properties.”

Fire damaged property outside the garage

He added: “There has been a significant increase in the number of factories discovered in Hertfordshire and we are working hard to make the county a hostile place for organised crime groups to operate.

“However, we also need the public to assist us in our fight by reporting any suspicious activity to police and looking out for tell-tale signs that a cannabis factory may be operating in their neighbourhood. In doing so, you could potentially help save someone’s life.”

Anyone with information can contact the non-emergency number 101 or report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org