Police swoop on cannabis factory next to horse's stable

A man was arrested today following the discovery of a £5,000 cannabis factory in the Black Country during a raid involving almost 20 police officers - only to be let off with a caution later.

Officers used a battering ram to smash the front door of the house during the early morning raid in Tipton.

In the back garden they found a makeshift shed containing 12 plants as well as a stable with a horse inside.

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About 20 officers and two police vans were involved in the raid in Hawthorn Road just after 6.30am.

But before noon, the 34-year-old man found inside the house, who has not been named, had been released without charge. Sergeant Stephanie Court, in charge of the raid, said: "It is really frustrating. The force has a policy where anyone who does something like this gets a caution for a first-time offence.

"We can't prove he was dealing. The number of plants he had could have been for personal use." Police obtained the warrant for the raid after a tip-off.

In the shed that had been constructed from chipboard there were three halogen lights each with 6,000 watt bulbs worth around £1,000 each.

In the back yard there was also what looked like an outdoor spa bath and a kennel for an alsatian-type dog.

One officer was punched to the head during the raid, but he was protected by his helmet. He said he had no intention of pressing charges.

Sgt Court said: "This is the second raid in the area within a week.

"The earlier raid was in Wythwood Grove in Tipton, and uncovered a similar cannabis set up, with an offender charged with that offence."

The garden involved in today's raid backs onto Glebefields Primary School. Two children who were in the property at the time of the raid were taken to a relative's house.

As the Express and Star went to press, officers were raiding another home in Chatwins Wharf in Tipton.

One woman and three men, all in their 20s and 30s, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.