Police uncovered a suspected cannabis farm after being called to reports of a disturbance on an industrial estate. Officers found a man with serious injuries when they arrived at Mercantile Road in Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate in Houghton-Le-Spring in the early hours of this morning.
Discovery at the scene
Upon accessing a unit as part of their initial enquiries, officers discovered a suspected cannabis farm. Northumbria Police say they are treating the incidents as linked. The alleged victim of the assault, a man in his 20s, has now been arrested in connection with the report.
Police statement
A spokesperson for the force said: "Just before 1am today (Friday), we received a report of a disturbance on Mercantile Road in Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate in Houghton-Le-Spring. Emergency services attended, and a man in his 20s was found to have sustained serious injuries consistent with having been assaulted."
"As part of initial enquiries, police subsequently accessed a premises within the industrial estate which led them to discover a suspected cannabis farm. The assault and the discovery of the cannabis farm are being treated as linked, and officers are looking to establish the identities of anyone involved in either incident."
Ongoing enquiries
The alleged victim of the assault was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries and has subsequently been arrested in connection with the report. He currently remains in police custody in hospital. Police remain in the area this morning to continue their enquiries and dismantle the plants and equipment inside the premises.
Anyone with information should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the Force's website. For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101. Please quote reference number: 26000473530.
