A SUSPECTED cannabis farm has been discovered in an iconic town centre building.

People walking around Blackburn this morning have commented on the strong stench of cannabis coming from the former VIP Snooker building on Mincing Lane.

Officers were first called to the building following reports of a suspected break-in but later found what appears to be a cannabis set-up inside.

A spokesman confirmed that enquiries are ongoing.

Officers could be seen taking what appeared to be computer and CCTV equipment out of the back of the lounge through a side alleyway.

An eye-witness said: “The smell is so strong, it must be a big find.

“There are several police cars on the road and an officer on the door of the snooker hall.

“This kind of thing seems to be happening more regularly these days.”

In 2018 the landmark building, which was previously a cinema, was auctioned off for £139,000. In an advert published at the time, the building was described as a ‘sprawling premises.’

The lot was originally listed by Manchester-based auctioneers Landwood for a price of £125,000, but the building was sold for £14,000 over the guide price when bidding took place.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported at the time that the new owners had not been named and that plans for the building’s future were also unknown.