FIREFIGHTERS have discovered a cannabis farm at an empty shop in Thornton Road.

Crews from Bradford and Fairweather Green stations were called to the fierce fire at about 3.30am today at the junction with Lower Gratton Road, close to the Black Swan pub.

Up to 15 firefighters were at the scene for two hours until the building was made safe.

Crews found the cellar and first floor packed with young and mature cannabis plants, said Bradford's crew manager Mick Mawson.

The cause is believed to have been faulty wiring after the electric meter was bypassed.

Flames, that had burned through the floor of the building, were so severe they could be seen from outside.

"The door had been left wide open we didn't even need to break in. Whoever it was had done a runner before we got there. Someone had been living there, there was a sleeping bag," he said.

"It was all set up with a feed and watering system as well as lights but the wiring was dodgy. The place was also full of air fresheners to try and throw people off the scent," added crew manager Mawson.

Police have been informed.