Police say a cannabis factory found in Huddersfield town centre was probably run by an organised crime group.

Almost 1,500 cannabis plants – with a street value of £800,000 – was found in the upper floor of Byram Buildings off Station Street.

Police seized 1,460 cannabis plants on Wednesday October 16 and enquiries are ongoing.

It is the latest success in a police drive to combat illegal drugs.

Earlier this month officers executed a warrant at a property on Macauley Street and arrested a man on suspicion of supplying Class A and C drugs to vulnerable people in the town centre.

In late August, meanwhile, officers from Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team seized more than 1,000 plants valued at over £550,000 in an operation at a property on Emerald Street at Hillhouse. Three men were arrested and later charged with drugs offences.

PC James Hemsley, of the Huddersfield Town Centre Proactive Team, said: “We are continuing to investigate following Wednesday’s large scale seizure and are appealing for information from anyone who has seen suspicious behaviour at Byram Buildings in recent weeks.

“Sophisticated and large-scale cannabis factories such as these are expensive to set up and maintain, and are typically run by the kinds of organised crime groups who fuel misery in our communities.

“I can promise all reports of drugs-related offences and production are thoroughly investigated and we urge anyone who has information about drugs crime in Kirklees to contact us.

“Reports can always be made to your local NPT, online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”