A former church in Lancashire has been found housing a large cannabis farm containing more than 1,500 plants.

Police discovered the operation inside the deconsecrated St Mary’s Church in Nelson on 7th August, after officers spotted suspicious pipes leading into the building.

According to The Telegraph, a person inside the property attempted to flee when police arrived, jumping from a window before trying to run from the scene.

Lancashire Police said the suspect “failed to consider the impact the drop might have on his running ability”.

He was subsequently arrested and remained in police custody.

Officers searching the former church discovered more than 1,500 cannabis plants spread across several rooms and at different stages of growth. Police have since dismantled the operation.

Lancashire Police said large-scale cannabis farms should not be regarded as victimless criminal enterprises, pointing to links with exploitation and violence.

A spokesperson said: “No doubt there’ll be a comment or two claiming ‘it’s just plants’ or ‘find some proper drugs’. What those people fail to take into consideration is the human trafficking, exploitation and violence linked to cannabis grows, especially ones of this scale.

“Then you throw into the mix those that tax these, usually armed with weapons, and you have yourself a concoction of risk at every stage.”

Police have urged anyone who suspects cannabis is being grown illegally in their area to report their concerns.