A cannabis factory has been uncovered by chance in an industrial unit, prompting a police appeal for information about similar activities.

The factory, equip-ped with insulation and a ventilation system, was discovered when locksmith Matt-hew McLaren was called in to open the abandoned unit on behalf of estate agents.

Matthew, from Looe, explained that the agents had contacted him after the tenants of the unit on the Doublebois Industrial Estate apparently did a moonlight flit.

'I thought there was something strange about it when I had trouble opening the locks, and then when I got inside it was all shuttered off and lined with silver foil,' said Matthew, who added that there was also a ventilation system leading up to the roof.

'There wasn't any marijuana growing but there were old leaves on the floor – it had obviously been abandoned.'

Matthew called the police who told him not to go any further into the building so that a full investigation could take place.

Police this week confirmed the discovery and said a quantity of equipment associated with factory-style production of cannabis had been recovered.

Det Sgt Tim Wright, from Liskeard, who is leading the investigation, said he and his colleagues were always keen to hear from members of the public who became suspicious of people asking about renting houses, outbuildings and industrial units.

'These factories are often set up in rented buildings and the people behind them can cause considerable damage while installing the equipment. We would like to hear from anyone with any concerns they may have,' he said.