A van led police on a chase yesterday (April 17) after police responded to reports of cannabis cultivation in Accrington.

On Wednesday evening police were called to the Spring Hill area, to reports of cannabis being moved out of a property into a van.

Police attended the scene and secured a property that had been used in the cultivation of cannabis.

One man was arrested at the scene. The van made off from the property as the police arrived.

Officers used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to track the van down and officers engaged in a short pursuit.

The van was stopped near Ramsbottom and a number of men were arrested.

A police spokesperson: “This was a great example of communities and police coming together to stop crime in our neighbourhoods.

“Cannabis cultivation is a danger to residents as we often see electricity has been bypassed ultimately creating a huge fire risk, not to mention the criminals who are running these properties and the risk they bring to the area.

“If you have any concerns or feel a property near you is being involved in illegal activity please let us know.

“You can remain anonymous with your report, via 999, 101 and Crimestoppers.

“The success of this incident has created a huge impact on the criminal activity of this group, costing them thousands and taking drugs off our streets.”