Police received reports of suspected cannabis farm weeks before fire incident

Local residents stated they had informed police of a suspected cannabis cultivation operation several weeks prior to a fire erupting and extending to an adjacent residence. Law enforcement officers located a cannabis cultivation site, containing over 80 plants, within a property on Manor Avenue in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, as emergency services personnel were engaged in suppressing a blaze affecting two structures. Subsequently, Nottinghamshire Police released a statement emphasizing that it was “so important for neighbours to report their suspicions to us”. The police force has since confirmed that it had been informed about a suspected cannabis growing operation at one of the affected residences, but stated it is unable to take immediate action on every piece of intelligence it obtains. Firefighting teams from Stapleford, Ilkeston, and Long Eaton commenced efforts at 19:00 GMT on Monday to bring the fire under control; the incident is thought to have originated from modifications to the electrical system in one of the buildings. Consequently, nearby residents experienced power outages lasting several hours. Following this, the cannabis cultivation site was found, and police released a statement on Wednesday announcing the commencement of an inquiry. The official communication also included remarks from Sgt Simon Boyles, who stated: “Cannabis grows of this nature pose a significant fire risk for various reasons.”The required lighting and heating equipment, meanwhile, generates a large amount of heat in an environment often piled high with fertilisers and other chemicals.”That’s why it’s so important for neighbours to report their suspicions to us at an early stage, because fires like this could very quickly spread to adjoining properties.” Nevertheless, two local residents informed the BBC that they had conveyed their suspicions regarding a cannabis cultivation operation at one of the residences back in October. While one resident preferred to remain anonymous, Joanne Williamson, aged 52, who has resided on Manor Avenue for almost eight years, confirmed she had reported her concerns on two occasions. Recounting the fire, she further commented: “It was just chaos. I saw explosions and flames – a few of the neighbours were crying.” Previously, individuals associated with the property stated they were unable to take up residence due to legal constraints, yet they continued to visit. Subsequently, their activities became highly suspicious as they would arrive twice weekly, occasionally as early as three in the morning. She also mentioned that law enforcement conducted a search at the identical location two years prior, and she surmised that officers were seeking cannabis plants. She concluded: “I just hope something will now be done about the property, because it just isn’t being observed enough.” Nottinghamshire Police conceded that it had obtained intelligence concerning the premises “in the recent past,” but explained that it frequently cannot act instantly on received information and must seek a court order to carry out a warrant. A representative further stated that two individuals had been apprehended in the vicinity in 2022 on suspicion of cannabis cultivation, and the property was searched, but inadequate evidence prevented additional legal proceedings. The spokesperson affirmed that reports such as those provided by the inhabitants “are very valuable”. Regarding the event on Monday, no arrests have been made, and no injuries were reported. Connect with BBC Nottingham on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Submit your news tips to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright © 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.