THIS is the first glimpse inside a cannabis factory discovered almost by accident on Tuesday night.

Police were called at around 7.40pm to reports of an attempted burglary at a house on Whitworth Road.

Swindon Advertiser:

Cannabis plants inside the Whitworth Road property PICTURE: WILTSHIRE POLICE

They arrived to find a man jumping from a back window. Despite a police helicopter joining the search they were unable to find the man.

But inside the house the officers struck gold, discovering a cannabis factory boasting around 80 plants.

Sgt James Rodrigues said: 

James Rodriques said: “Officers have today been clearing the property of cannabis plants. This was clearly a well established set up which spread throughout a number of rooms in the property – we believe it has been there for some time, so I am pleased that we have been able to prevent these illegal drugs reaching the community.

“Drug supply is often associated with other crimes such as physical violence and knife crime so I would urge any residents who may have concerns that a property is being used for this type of crime, or that drug activity is taking place in their neighbourhood to call 101.”

Swindon Advertiser:

Cannabis plants inside the Whitworth Road property PICTURE: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Swindon Advertiser:

Cannabis plants inside the Whitworth Road property PICTURE: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Swindon Advertiser:

Police on Whitworth Road Picture: DAVE COX