A cannabis farm has been discovered by workmen at a house in the heart of a Jewish neighbourhood.

Police were called to the property in Prestwich, Manchester, last Friday afternoon after the men, who had been contracted to work at the house, saw plants growing inside.

The workers were chased away by a man at the Park Road house, but when officers arrived, they discovered around 400 cannabis plants.

Barbara Goldstone, president of the Manchester Jewish Representative Council, said: “I’m very shocked at the fact someone is doing this in the midst of the Jewish community. Thankfully, it’s not a Jewish household. We should always keep our eyes open.”

Hai Tran, 40, of no fixed abode, appeared at Bury Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with production of cannabis and abstracting electricity. He was remanded in custody to re-appear at the court on August 19.