Cannabis farm fire shocks neighbours
LOCALS’ SHOCK AT CANNABIS FARM FIND
NEIGHBOURS say they were left terrified after a fire that uncovered a cannabis farm broke out on their street.
The blaze occurred at a home on Rothbury Terrace in Heaton, Newcastle, at around 4.50am on Friday.
A number of residents from nearby properties were evacuated as the fire engulfed the roof of an upstairs flat.
Neighbours have spoken of their shock after a cannabis farm was uncovered in the property.
Northumbria University students Emily Chambers, 20, and Robert Morgan, 21, live below the flat damaged in the blaze.
While the walls of their flat have been left water-damaged after the fire was extinguished, the pair said they were lucky firefighters were able to keep the blaze under control.
Robert said: “We live in a row of terraces so the fire could have easily spread.
“It’s horrible to think of, especially when you see how badly damaged the roof is.”
Their neighbour, Alison Baxter, said she was terrified when she was asked to evacuate her home.
The 49-year-old said: “When I left my flat I looked up to see flames coming out of the roof.
“I thought there was going to be an explosion or the flames would spread to my flat. It was terrifying.”
She added: “The first thing I did on Saturday morning was sort my house insurance out because I was so close to losing everything. I was so angry when I found out the flat was a cannabis farm.”
Despite living just a few houses away, Michael McStraw slept through the commotion outside of his flat. The 23-year-old said: “We heard a bit of commotion in the morning, but thought nothing of it.
“It wasn’t until I started working from home and I found an article online that I went outside and noticed what had happened.”
The IT consultant, who moved to the street about six months ago, added: “I would never have thought there would be a cannabis farm three doors down from me. It has been a massive surprise as this is generally a nice place to live.”
Northumbria Police is continuing to investigate the incident.
A police spokesperson said: “Anyone with information, who has yet to come forward, is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 121 151119 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”