A sweep of the building led to an unexpected discovery

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A tumble dryer blaze at a laundrette led to firefighters unearthing an illegal cannabis plant grow upstairs. Emergency crews were called to Narborough Road on Friday (June 1) and discovered more than they initially expected.

Fire crews were initially alerted to smoke coming from a business in the West End street at 11.47am. An eyewitness, who did not wish to be named, said he went inside the burning building.

He said: "Initially it was just smoke and then the flames just came from nowhere. I went to help thinking we need to get everyone out but it was like a furnace in there. The fire was so hot and the flames were so high."

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A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) confirmed that the blaze "involved a dryer". No injuries were reported.

But while dealing with the incident, fire crews discovered what were believed to be cannabis plants in an upstairs flat, Leicestershire Police said. Officers were called to the property where a cordon had already been placed.

Three men were arrested at the scene. The nature of the arrests has not been confirmed at this stage.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Shortly after midday today (Friday 1 July) LFRS reported they were attending a fire at a property in Narborough Road and that what were believed to be cannabis plants had been found inside.

"Officers attended and three men have been arrested. They remain in custody and enquiries are continuing."

A cause of the blaze has not yet been officially confirmed, however, fire crews are expected to carry out further inspection at the scene, according to a spokesperson.

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