Suspected cannabis factory house destroyed by fire

Firefighters from across north-east London fought to bring the flames under control

Police are investigating a fire that virtually destroyed a house in north-east London believed to have been used as a cannabis factory.

Twelve fire engines and about 80 firefighters were called to the mid-terraced property in Walthamstow shortly before 03:00 BST.

The Met Police said officers also attended and found evidence of cannabis plants at the house on Knebworth Avenue, although no arrests were made.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said cannabis factory fires could be "particularly dangerous" because criminals often used unsafe wiring to illegally source electricity to grow the plants

'Bad wiring and traps'

A spokesperson for the brigade added: "They're often in top floors or lofts which means when a fire takes hold it spreads, destroying roofs and damaging neighbouring buildings.

"Firefighters can also be exposed to risks when dealing with the fires because of bad wiring and traps at some of the properties."

LFB added that it was important people spot the "key signs" of a cannabis factory and inform the police.

Firefighters from across north-east London helped tackle the flames and the fire was brought under control by about 05:00 BST.

Most of the ground floor, half of the home's first floor and the roof of the two-storey house in were gutted by the flames.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.