Arrest Made Following Blaze at Suspected Cannabis Cultivation Site

An individual has been taken into custody in connection with a fire that occurred at what is believed to be a cannabis cultivation operation situated within an industrial facility in Gloucestershire. The blaze originated at the industrial unit located on Tetbury Industrial Estate, Cirencester Road, approximately at 12:45 GMT. Reports indicated that three men were observed fleeing the location, with one subsequently apprehended in the vicinity. Law enforcement officers from Gloucestershire police took a 26-year-old man into custody under suspicion of involvement in drug manufacturing and the production of a Class B controlled substance, specifically cannabis. According to Gloucestershire police, the fire has since been brought under control and extinguished. Nevertheless, personnel will maintain a presence at the site throughout the night due to “extensive damage” sustained by the structure, rendering it hazardous. Authorities have been attempting to find the two additional men who were observed escaping the fire across agricultural land, utilizing assistance from the dog unit and the National Police Air Service. As of now, no other individuals have been found. The police force stated that one of the men was dressed in a black hooded top and grey jogging bottoms, while the other wore black shorts and a red hooded top. Their ages were reported to be within the range of their 20s or 30s. Previously implemented road closures have now been removed. Individuals possessing information regarding this event are encouraged to contact the police. Stay updated by following BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can submit your story ideas to us via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Details concerning our external linking policy are available.