Northumbria Police Cordon After Suspected Cannabis Farm Discovered Near Haymarket Bus Station

A large police cordon remained in place in Newcastle city centre after officers uncovered a suspected cannabis farm inside a building close to Haymarket bus station.

Emergency services were first called to Northumberland Street in Newcastle upon Tyne on Monday evening following reports of a fire at the premises. Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene alongside Northumbria Police shortly before 9.10pm.

Although the blaze was brought under control quickly and no injuries were reported, the incident took a dramatic turn after officers entered the property and allegedly discovered a large cannabis cultivation operation inside the building.

Police have since continued their investigation at the site, with several officers and forensic teams seen working behind The Junction pub, located just off Percy Street near the busy Haymarket transport hub.

Police Vehicles And Forensic Teams Remain At Scene.

On Tuesday, a visible police presence remained in Newcastle city centre as officers continued to examine the building. Two police cars and a police van were parked behind The Junction while a cordon prevented members of the public from entering the restricted area.

People travelling through Haymarket and Northumberland Street were met with police tape and ongoing activity throughout the day as forensic specialists moved in and out of the property.

Investigators wearing white and blue protective suits, along with face masks and gloves, were seen removing equipment and suspected cannabis plants from inside the three-storey building.

Forensic officers are understood to have spent several hours documenting the scene and securing evidence linked to the suspected cannabis farm.

The discovery has attracted attention from residents, commuters and nearby businesses due to the location being one of the busiest parts of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Suspected Cannabis Farm Contained Around 200 Plants.

Northumbria Police confirmed that officers discovered approximately 200 suspected cannabis plants after entering the building.

The cultivation site was reportedly hidden inside the property on Northumberland Street, with officers now dismantling the operation as part of their investigation.

Cannabis farms are often linked to organised criminal activity and can pose serious risks to surrounding buildings due to unsafe electrical connections, heat damage and fire hazards.

Police have not yet confirmed who owns the property or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the discovery.

Officers were seen entering the building through the rear access point as the dismantling process continued throughout the day in Newcastle city centre.

Northumbria Police Statement In Full.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said:

“Shortly before 9.10pm on Monday (May 11), we were alerted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to a premises on fire on Northumberland Street in Newcastle city centre.

“Emergency services attended the scene where nobody was found to be injured, and the fire was extinguished a short time later.

“Officers assisted the fire service by setting up a cordon which remains in place. Enquiries into the cause of the fire remain ongoing.

“Once inside the building, officers uncovered a suspected cannabis farm with approximately 200 plants. This is now in the process of being dismantled.

“Enquiries are ongoing to identify anyone believed to be involved.”

Investigation Continues In Newcastle City Centre.

Police say investigations remain ongoing into both the cause of the fire and the suspected cannabis cultivation operation.

At this stage, detectives are working to establish who may have been connected to the property and whether criminal offences have been committed.

The cordon remained active for much of the day as officers continued gathering evidence and removing materials from inside the building.

Businesses nearby remained open, although the police presence drew significant public attention due to the prominent location close to Haymarket bus station and Newcastle’s main shopping areas.

Northumbria Police have urged anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward as enquiries continue.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding illegal cannabis farms operating within urban areas across the North East. In recent years, police forces across the UK have uncovered similar large-scale growing operations hidden inside residential homes, commercial units and vacant buildings.

Authorities often warn that these properties can present major dangers due to tampered electricity supplies and increased fire risks, which can threaten neighbouring businesses and residents.

Newcastle Upon Tyne Residents React To City Centre Discovery.

News of the suspected cannabis farm quickly spread across social media, with many Newcastle upon Tyne residents expressing surprise that such a large operation could allegedly exist in the heart of the city centre.

Commuters passing through Haymarket reported seeing multiple emergency service vehicles and forensic teams throughout the morning, while nearby workers described a strong police presence around Percy Street and Northumberland Street.

The investigation is expected to continue as officers work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire and the suspected cannabis cultivation site.

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