A CANNABIS farm was discovered by police at a Wirral pub last week.

Eight people were arrested after officers found cannabis roots and other evidence of the drug at Peggy Gadfly's pub, Victoria Road, New Brighton on Wednesday.

Four women aged 24, 36 and 44 from Wallasey and a 53-year-old from New Brighton along with a 45-year-old man from Prenton and two men aged 42 and 52 from Wallasey were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis.

They were taken to police stations on Merseyside for questioning and have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers searched a property on Northbrook Road, Wallasey where a  41-year-old man from Wallasey has been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and possession of drugs after around 50 cannabis plants were found in the premises. Police say he has also been released on bail.

Inspector Mike Barrett said: "We take the issue of cannabis farming very seriously and will act on all information we receive. Cannabis is not the innocent drug it has historically been perceived to be and it is often linked to more serious crime.

"Cannabis has a very distinctive smell and we urge anyone who sees any suspicious activity and believes there is a cannabis farm in their area to call us so we can take action."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.