THE owner of an empty Bath hotel building called police when he couldn’t get in – and officers found a suspected cannabis factory inside.

Concerns were raised about the property, in Monmouth Place, last week, when the owner reported they could not gain access.

Officers attended and discovered the “cannabis grow”, with the former hotel now under guard while utility companies made the building safe.

“An investigation is underway with crime scene examination complete and today (January 21), officers are seizing plants and growing equipment,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Scott Hill added: “The disruption of this cannabis growth set-up is a positive step in tackling the presence of drug availability in Bath and North East Somerset.

“Our local policing teams are working with our communities to develop community intelligence to further disrupt these harmful criminal operations.

“Cannabis growing often involves bypassing of mains electricity, which can post a significant fire risk, over and above the anti-social behaviour and crime associated with drug supply.”

Anyone who is, or knows someone who is, affected by drug misuse can find details of support services on the Bath and North East Somerset Council website, at livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/supporting-adults-live-independent-lives/drug-and-alcohol-use/bnes-drug-alcohol-service-turning.

To report drug crime, visit avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/drug-dealing-and-use, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

READ MORE: Crime news from your Somerset Leveller

The suspected cannabis plants were found at an empty hotel in Bath. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police