Families face New Year away from home after cannabis farm in Sunderland house spreads to neighbouring houses

Shortly before 9.49pm yesterday, Tuesday, December 29, Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue service were alerted to a loft fire in Toward Road in Hendon.

No one was injured in the fire but a number of near-by residents were evacuated and face being displaced for the remainder of the festive season.

Police, who have credited the neighbours for raising the alarm, say said the incident should serve as a warning to others looking to set up drug farms as proof of the danger they pose, with the residents lucky to have escaped unharmed.

Detective Sergeant David Vincent said: “Cannabis farmers do not make for good neighbours.

“In many case, farms have dangerously by-passed electricity which could be potentially fatal for those who live in neighbouring properties if it causes a fire like this one.

“In this incident, luckily a neighbour’s suspicions were roused when they heard strange noises coming from their loft, which joins on to other properties.

“When their daughter went outside and spotted smoke billowing from the roof they were quick to alert the fire service and allow for the street to be swiftly evacuated.

“It’s a frightening thought what may have happened if the fire had started later at night while all the neighbours were asleep and they might not have been alerted by the strange noises.”

He added: “We would always encourage anybody who believes somebody is using a property as a makeshift cannabis farm to report their suspicions to police.

“We still need you to be our eyes and ears on the ground and if you see anything that causes you concern, or doesn’t seem quite right, then please contact us.

“It may be there is a strong smell of drugs, strangers are loitering in the street or a particular property that may be being regularly visited by a number of different people.

"Reporting could help save a life.”

Inquiries are ongoing those responsible for the suspected cannabis farm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page online, quoting log 964 29/12/20, call 101 or report information anonymously by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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