A 29-year-old man has been arrested after the discovery of a cannabis farm in Tranmere.

Merseyside Police executed a warrant at a property on Westbury Street at around 9:50am yesterday (Thursday) and found 23 plants along with associated growing equipment in two bedrooms.

The man was arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis and abstracting electricity and has since been released pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Roy Dufton-Kelly said: "We removed the plants and the growing equipment from the house and have eliminated the danger that they pose.

"Cannabis cultivation by criminal gangs can cause serious harm in our communities. Criminal groups involved in the cultivation of cannabis are usually involved in other serious organised crime.

"The growing of cannabis also brings dangers to neighbouring properties because cannabis farms are a serious fire risk.

"The people who set up these farms often tamper with the electricity meters to steal electricity, and there will generally be a number of hot lamps hooked to overloaded electricity sockets as well as an extensive watering system.

"Electricity and water are never a good combination, and the fire service have seen an increase in the number of fires they have been called to as a result of fires caused by the crude systems put in place by the people who set up these farms.

"Our communities can help us stop these groups, who are only interested in making money, from turning houses and flats into potential death traps.

"Nobody wants to live next door to these houses and we would ask that if you believe someone is using a property for this purpose, please tell us so we can take positive action and find those responsible for setting them up."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.