A HUGE cannabis farm which spanned five basement rooms was discovered after smoke came through the floor of a Halliwell laundrette.

Firefighters were called to Blue Lagoon Ironing & Laundry Service in Halliwell Road at 1.15pm on Sunday. 

Staff became concerned after smelling burning, and when firefighters lifted up the floorboards they discovered smoke coming through from the basement space below.

The crew broke down the front door of the empty house next door and discovered a well-developed fire in the basement, which was being used as a cannabis farm.

The blaze, which had spread into the joists under the floor of the house, had begun after a diverted electricity source overheated.

Workers at Blue Lagoon were evacuated, and no one was injured.

Firefighters from Bolton Central, Bolton North and Farnworth fire stations tackled the flames.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “After breaking down the front door we discovered a well-developed fire in the basement, which had spread to the joists under the floor of the house.

“The basement of the empty rented property was being used as a cannabis farm and we requested police attendance.”

The blaze burned through an electricity mains cable and Electricity North West were called out to make the wiring safe.

A spokesman for Electricity North West said: “Our engineers attended an address in Halliwell Road this afternoon at the request of the fire service.

“An electricity supply cable had suffered damage, and we made the situation safe by disconnecting the property.

“This was the only property affected, and there was no widespread power loss.”

Police are currently investigating the blaze and anyone with information should call 101.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “We were called to a premises in Halliwell Road shortly after 1pm this afternoon by firefighters who were dealing with a fire there.”

The spokesman said police are not able to say how many plants there were or what their street value is at this stage.

A fire engine is expected to remain at the scene until later tonight so any smouldering embers can be put out after the police investigation is complete.