A CANNABIS farm was found after a fire broke out at a house in Leigh yesterday.

Three fire engines were sent to Garston Close at around 7.20am where a blaze damaged the roof space and two upstairs bedrooms of the semi-detached home, which was empty.

The flames were extinguished and the roof space was left "totally destroyed".

Following the fire, the police were called to the scene with dozens of cannabis plants discovered inside the property.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesman said: "Shortly after 7.20am on Thursday, the fire service made us aware of a fire on Garston Close, Leigh.

"GMP were called for support, and on attending, officers discovered 40-50 cannabis plants at the address.

"No-one is believed to have been inside the address and no injuries have been reported.

"No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing."

The fire service said it was not necessary to evacuate any homes in the area.

Atherton Fire Station watch manager Martin Collinge said: "We used breathing apparatus and a hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"Damage was caused to two bedrooms and the loft space was totally destroyed.

"We put the fire out in the first couple of hours but we were there until around 1pm to do work afterwards such as deal with the burnt debris.

"Police were in attendance."

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.

Electricity North West were called to the scene to make sure the electricity supply was safe.

If you have any information contact police on 0161 856 7225 quoting reference number 475 of February 25 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.