Reports of smoke coming from roof at a Bradford house

Firefighters were called out to Alford Terrace at 5.33am over reports of smoke coming from a roof.

Less than 15 minutes later, West Yorkshire Police was requested at the scene to conduct a search of the property.

The investigation uncovered a cannabis farm. 

Enquiries are ongoing, West Yorkshire Police said.

No one was injured during the incident but the scale of the damage can be seen in the smashed windows and curtains blackened by smoke. The roof is now exposed with tiles burnt and beams collapsed.

Emergency services remain at the scene.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said firefighters expect to stay at the property for most of the morning.

In a recent update from the team on the ground, firefighters requested a 'relief pump' - another engine.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Councillor Nazam Azam (Labour, City) expressed his shock at the find, describing Alfred Terrace as a "lovely" family-oriented neighbourhood.

Cllr Azam said: "I'm grateful that the police and fire service were able to control the fire in good time. The fact nobody was affected, that's positive and I'm hoping this will lead to somebody being brought to justice. It's unacceptable.

"I've witnessed it take place. It seems to be quite spread across the district, across the country. People are setting up and they are doing it very discreetly. I have a personal experience of it and the way the criminals conduct themselves. I'm sure the investigation into this sort of crime will lead the police to the culprits. They can be as smart as they want but the law will catch up on them.

"It's not good anywhere. In a residential area it concerns the residents in that neighbourhood. I'm just hopeful that the police investigation leads to the culprits."

When asked about how the farm appeared to be hidden in plain sight, Cllr Azam said: "It's a difficult one. In good times people don't realise. When someone new moves in it takes time, it's a process. They may be leaving in the middle of the night or leaving before people are about.

"I can tell you from experience you don't realise. We're not in good times, people's lives have been shaken upside down really. People are losing jobs, they're worried about putting food on the table so this would be the last thing really in such a difficult time, this would be the last thing on their minds."

The full statement from West Yorkshire Police reads: "Police were called at 5.42am (27 November) to reports of a house fire on Alfred Terrace.

"Fire service and police attended the scene and during a search of the property a cannabis farm was found.

"No-one was injured during the incident.

"Emergency services are still at the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing."