Police make arson arrest after evidence of cannabis farm found at Stockport home where blaze broke out

Evidence of a cannabis farm has been found at a house in Stockport where a fire erupted in the early hours, with a man having been arrested on suspicion of arson.

The blaze broke out in a home on Lawton Road in Heaton Chapel just after 1:30am with witnesses seeing smoke and fire billowing from the roof.

Eight fire engines raced to the scene, with crews working through the night to tackle the flames. Police have confirmed that no one was injured in the fire.

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A woman and young child who were inside the property had got themselves to safety before emergency services arrived. The occupants of two neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution. The Manchester Evening News understands the cause of the fire has not yet been determined with an investigation ongoing.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) today said there was evidence of a cannabis farm found on the top floor of the property. A man was arrested later away from the property. He has been held on suspicion of the arson and the cultivation of cannabis. He remains in custody for questioning.

The roof of the house has been left badly damaged from the fire, with a huge hole visible at both the front and top of the house, exposing charred wood and insulation. Black smoke marks could be seen in the hallway.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) remained at the property on Monday morning alongside police officers who were going door to door speaking to residents.

A police cordon remains in place and where specialist Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) teams have been working throughout the day. They were seen using an aerial platform alongside fire officers to take