A CANNABIS factory buried 8ft underground in a back garden in Dallam has been shut down by police.

Officers raided a house on Marshall Avenue on Tuesday morning as part of the force's crackdown on the supply of drugs in the town.

Witnesses reported how police riot vans and patrol cars descended on the house at around 9.20am with forensic experts later seen searching the property.

Following a search of the home and the back garden, police uncovered the cannabis farm which had been concealed by a shed. 

A large amount of class B drugs was recovered by police as well as a quantity of cash.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the production and possession with intent to supply cannabis as well as the supply of amphetamine and money laundering. 

A 32-year-old man was detained on suspicion of production and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

A 48-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of the production and possession with intent to supply cannabis as well as the supply of amphetamine.

The three suspects were taken into custody to be questioned by detectives but they have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

One neighbour had just returned home from taking her children to school when she heard lots of shouting in the street. 

"I was watching through my window," she said.

"There were at least three riot vans and loads of police. I couldn't believe it."

Another unsuspecting resident, who has been living in the street for two years, said he was shocked when he heard about the underground drugs den.

He said: “I came back and asked my mate why there were loads of police on the street. 

“He said the house down the road has been raided. 

“I used to live round here as a kid. 

“It was bad then for druggies but now it has completely chilled out, so I was surprised. 

“You have the odd kid smoking cannabis but that’s about it.”

One neighbour, who has lived in the street for 30 years, welcomed the action from the police but said more needs to be done to tackle the supply of drugs.

Anyone with information has been urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.