Police have found a huge cannabis farm - in a former police station.
The entire first floor and loft space of the former Failsworth Police Station in Greater Manchester had been used to grow more than 1,000 plants.
Officers uncovered the farm after spotting that the building was insecure and going in to take a look.
They discovered that the 'farmers' had fled with their crop in the early hours of yesterday morning - and only root balls, soil and empty pots remained, reports Manchester Evening News .
The station closed six years ago and was the base for the area's Neighbourhood Policing Team.
A post on GMP Failsworth and Hollinwood's Facebook page said: "It is believed the grow was 'taxed' in the early hours of this morning where all the cannabis plants had been removed.
"The electricity meter had also been bypassed.
"From items left at the scene it appears the "gardeners" had been living/sleeping at the location."
They added that what was left of the operation had been put to good use - it was donated to a local growing hub at Earls Lodge.
The post also explained: "The building was vacated by the police six years ago as part of the cuts to the Police budget and not used by us since.
"It was sold at auction a short time later.
"The building has been privately owned ever since."
The post was widely shared across Facebook and amused followers were quick to comment on the revelation.
Debbie Kendrick Lyons said: "I know I shouldn't but I've found this quite comical ...This would have been a good story for and old black-and-white Ealing Studio comedy film."
And Stephen Johnson added: "I think this might be what they call SPECIAL BRANCH of the police force."
