Armed police stormed Langham Tower, part of the former Sunderland High School on Gray Road, at around 10pm on Saturday. Around 12 armed officers were seen entering the building, and a drone was used during the operation.
Suspected cannabis farm found inside listed building
Once inside, officers discovered a suspected cannabis farm with approximately 800 plants. The Grade II listed mansion had been part of the school, which closed in 2016. The cannabis farm is now in the process of being dismantled.
Two men – one in their 40s and the other in their 50s – were arrested at the scene on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug. The man in his 40s has been released on bail pending further investigation. The man in his 50s was released with no further action.
Resident describes large armed police presence
A resident, who lives nearby but did not wish to be named, told ChronicleLive: "I have never seen anything like it. I have never seen armed police of that magnitude. I counted at least 12 police officers, all armed.
"It was quite a police presence. There was a drone overhead and I didn't know whether they were searching for something or the drone was helping them to look.
"This was at about 10 o'clock. This went on until the early hours of the morning. It was frightening.
"It's a listed building and they breached the door to get in. I'm looking at it now and there's no door. It's actually a sad sight to look at."
Northumbria Police statement
Northumbria Police said they received a report of suspicious activity in the area. A spokesperson said: "Shortly before 9.30pm on Saturday, officers were alerted to a report of suspicious activity on Gray Road in the Hendon area of Sunderland.
"Enquiries led officers to a premises on Gray Road, where once inside the building, they uncovered a suspected cannabis farm with approximately 800 plants. The cannabis farm is now in the process of being dismantled.
"Firearms officers were also in attendance as a precautionary measure. Two men – one in their 40s and the other in their 50s – were arrested at the scene on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug.
"The man in his 50s has been released with no further action. The man in his 40s has been released on bail pending further investigation. Enquiries are ongoing."
