Police today uncovered a huge cannabis factory when they swooped on a house in a residential street in Telford.

Cannabis plants worth thousands of pounds were discovered being cultivated at the detached property in Shawbirch.

A man, believed to be of oriental origin, was arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis during the raid in Lower Park Drive just after 9am.

Detectives said they believed the factory was linked to a UK drugs network.

Inspector Richard Langton, who led this morning’s operation with the local policing team from Wellington, said: “We have a fully established cannabis production factory. Most of the house had been given over and cleared for the cultivation of plants.

“There are plants at different stages around different rooms and the garage is operating as a nursery along with other bedrooms.”

The floor area of most of the rooms was found completely covered with plants. Mr Langton said the plants had been grown until they were fully matured and ready to be harvested.

He said he was unable to put a value on the drugs at this stage but said it was a “significant” amount.

About 20 officers took part in Operation Quattro which was launched after police were tipped off that the empty property had blacked out windows and lights which were on timers.

People of oriental origin had also been seen visiting the property during the day and night. And a flyover by a police helicopter with a thermal imaging camera had further revealed signs of cannabis production.

Officers were warned before the swoop that there could be booby traps set up inside, including wiring of doors and windows, to electrocute any trespassers.

Electrical engineers were called to the scene to cut the power supply before the raid took place.

Shocked residents came out of their properties as the door to the house was smashed down.

One resident said: “It’s been quite intriguing because we don’t see anybody there, but the bin goes out each week.”

Another resident added: “I am absolutely shocked.”

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman