Two men charged with cannabis cultivation

Police have been at the disused bank throughout the weekend

Two men have been charged with cultivating cannabis in a disused bank.

Fatjon Hallaci, 32, and Mark Kola, 34, both of Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth, were arrested by Norfolk Police after officers were called to the former NatWest branch on Hall Quay at 20:50 BST on 31 May.

On entering the premises the officers found a large amount of cannabis being grown over three floors.

The pair were remanded in custody at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Monday ahead of their next court appearances.

The former NatWest Bank has been cordoned off since Saturday

The wooden doors of the bank had been smashed, with sections of panelling missing. Inside lamps could be seen hanging from the ceiling and large brown paper sacks accumulated by the entrance.

The two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

A police seal remains in place at the site.

The bank has been closed for more than ten years and in 2016 plans were submitted to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to convert the premises into a restaurant and residential apartments.

While the plan was approved the conversion did not proceed.

Mr Kola is due to reappear at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Mr Hallaci is due to appear at Norwich Crown Court on 1 July.