A FIRE at an industrial unit led to the discovery of 500 cannabis plants.

The dope factory was found within an industrial unit in Rutherford Close, Eastwood, off Progress Road.

PC Nick Burton called the discovery a “massive result” as the drugs were worth thousands of pounds.

It is believed a man was in the unit at the time of the fire, but he managed to escape before police and firefighters arrived.

Three fire crews dealt with the blaze within 45 minutes and joined police in investigating the cause.

The scene was cordoned off and officers were busy clearing out the plants and equipment yesterday.

In the 15m by 15m unit there were an estimated 500 plants, all above 2ft tall.

The sophisticated set-up included a jungle of wires supplying electricity to heaters and air-conditioning units.

The unit was also heavily insulated to make sure the heat and smell didn’t seep out.

A settee, TV, dvd player, dvds and a laptop were found there, suggesting the plants had been regularly monitored.

PC Burton, of the Leigh Focus Team, said: “The fire may have started in a transformer.

“It’s a massive result for us, because this is obviously a big commercial operation.”

The blaze started just after 8.30pm on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, PC Burton and the Focus Team raided a converted office in London Road, Leigh, and seized 200 plants.

He said: “Along with the other job, this will have a major impact on the cannabis supply in the area.”

Bob Montaini, who owns Montaini Automotive next door, said he owned the entire unit, but rented out that part.

He said: “I had rented it out for about a month. The bloke I dealt with said he was storing shop fittings.”

Police say there have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.