‘Several cannabis plants’ found after fire breaks out at pub

Firefighters were called to reports of a blaze at the Hilton Park pub in Leigh Road, Leigh, at around 8.40pm.

Firefighters from Hindley, Atherton and Leigh Fire Stations were all called to the scene where they quickly brought the blaze under control using a hose reel.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At just before 8.40pm on Thursday, January 30, three fire engines from Atherton, Hindley and Leigh fire stations attended a fire involving a derelict commercial premises on Leigh Road, Leigh. 

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

Emergency services were called (Image: Public) “Crews were in attendance for around one hour and 50 minutes.”

Firefighters stayed at the scene for some time after the blaze had been brought under control to ensure the area had been made safe before returning to their stations later that night. 

The pub is believed to have closed recently and passers-by first reported seeing what looked like a fire on Thursday evening.

The fire broke out on Leigh Road (Image: Public) Images from the scene show smoke coming out of the pub windows with firefighters and police officers nearby late on Thursday evening.

With firefighters having extinguished the blaze within two hours, police then moved in to investigate the inside of the building.

Officers have since confirmed that after carrying out their search they found cannabis plants inside the fire-damaged building.

The blaze was quickly brought under control (Image: Public) A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 9pm on Thursday January 30 we were called to reports of a fire at a property on Leigh Road, Leigh. 

“Officers attended to support colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

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“Inside the building, officers found several cannabis plants. 

“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”

No injuries or damage to any other building nearby have been reported because of the fire.

Members of the public have been advised to always call 999 in the event of an emergency as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Source – INDIA TV