POLICE have confirmed a "large-scale" cannabis farm was busted today in a major operation. 

Armed officers swooped on the building, on Filey Street, off Leeds Road, this morning.

There has been a large police presence in the area all day.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police are continuing their investigating following a planned search warrant at an address on Filey Street.

"A search warrant was executed by armed officers this morning at a property.

"A large-scale cannabis farm was located at the scene and five men have been arrested in connection.

"A police cordon remains in place whilst officers continue to examine the scene."

"Enquiries remain ongoing."

Councillor Hassan Khan (Lab, Bowling and Barkerend), whose ward covers the scene, said the area has seen a number of cannabis farms discovered recently. 

He claimed people are “terrified” and afraid to report things. 

“Even if people know something is happening, they are not going to open their mouths,” he said.

Cllr Khan added that even though the scene is not a residential area “there must be someone who’s seen this”. 

He raised concern that things are not being reported because people don’t feel safe.

“We have to give some type of assurance to citizens, if you see anything suspicious happening, let us know then we can take action,” he added.

He said work had been ongoing with police to tackle problems around anti-social behaviour and drug abuse, but called for more funding for youth services to keep young people occupied through avenues like sport.