CANNABIS plants and growing paraphernalia were found in a building weeks before a major fire, police said.

Firefighters spent hours tackling a major blaze at an unsued building in Barrow's Duke Street, which formerly housed the Antalya takeaway, earlier this month.     

Police have now confirmed that officers carried out a raid at the building in the weeks before.

Officers said they found plans and equipment at the building on April 23.

A police spokeswoman said: "During a search, officers found paraphernalia believed to be used in the growing of cannabis and numerous plants which were seized.

"No arrests have been made at this stage.

"North West Electricity attended to make the electrics safe."