Large cannabis factory discovered in Redhill, near Bristol Airport

A massive cannabis factory was discovered in Redhill, near Bristol Airport, on Wednesday (February 13) by a PCSO carrying out house to house enquiries.

PCSO Yvette Mayo smelt what she thought was cannabis coming from the outbuildings of a large farm in the area.

A full search of the buildings uncovered 800 plants ranging from seedlings to mature 6-foot tall plants.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Dave Hughes said: "The plants seized were worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. People shouldn't be misled that cannabis factories are a harmless money maker - they mean large profit for the serious criminals behind them."

The owners of the farm are helping police with enquiries and two further people connected with the address are being sought.

Anyone with information about potential cannabis factories in their area, or people they suspect of being involved in cannabis cultivation, should contact the police non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police say the following are some of the tell-tale signs of properties being used for growing cannabis. They include:

- Windows permanently covered from the inside

- Visits to the premises at unusual times of the day or night

- People visiting just to "maintain" the house

- Daily or weekly calls at the house by people who stay for a short time

- Black bin bags or laundry bags being taken away

- Compost bags or gardening equipment left outside, usually at the rear of the premises

- Vents protruding through the roof or a rear window

- Strange, pungent smells from the premises

- Unusual noises from equipment such as cooling fans

- Remember, never approach a house you are concerned could be a cannabis factory.