POLICE were alerted to a suspected cannabis factory because of an unpaid electricity bill.

United Utilities sought a warrant and its officers forced entry to the house in Redlam, Blackburn, to disconnect the power.

But they ended up having to alert police to the suspected cannabis factory.

Officers later swooped on the address and seized around 30 plants on Tuesday afternoon.

It comes after dozens of officers raided an address in Stonyhurst Street, Blackburn earlier this month and seized more than 200 mature plants crammed into the two-bedroom property which were just about to be harvested.

Police have vowed to continue the fight against suspected dealers.

Sergeant Jason Middleton said: "We were alerted to this by United Utilities who had gone to the address to switch off the power after a bill had been left unpaid. He immediately contacted police and officers were quickly sent to the address to seize the plants and hydroponic equipment.

"The possession and cultivation of cannabis is an offence. A lot of people think that it's lawful to have cannabis. However it's still an unlawful drug By seizing these plants and equipment we are dealing a huge blow to the supply of cannabis in Blackburn."

A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. He is on police bail pending inquiries.