POLICE have launched an investigation after cannabis plants were found at the site of a house fire in Emmbrook.
On Thursday, March 22, Thames Valley Police closed Reading Road to traffic to enable firecrews to tackle the blaze in safety.
The busy road, which connects Wokingham town centre with Winnersh, was shut from just before 3pm to just before 6pm, making rush hour difficult.
Yesterday we revealed that Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris was one of the first on the scene, as he was delivering leaflets along Reading Road at the time.
He said: “We went round to the side of the house and looked up. It looked like a chimney fire or in the loft area.
“There was a lot of thick smoke.
“We were concerned there was someone in the house. When the fire crews arrived, they put on their breathing apparatus and went in, but no one was in the home.”
READ MORE: Lib Dem leader one of first on scene in house fire
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirmed that cannabis plants were found among the debris.
A spokesperson said: “On Thursday, we were called to the scene at 2.47pm and the road was closed until about 5.50pm.
“The fire brigade also attended the scene.
“No-one was injured in the fire.
“Cannabis was found at the scene and we are investigating.”
READ MORE: Police presence remains at scene of Emmbrook house fire
Police are maintaining a presence at the house as their investigations continue – the cause of the blaze is still not yet known. It is also not yet known how much cannabis was found in the house, or where.
It is thought that the fire started in the loft area of the home, but again this has not been confirmed.
During the fire, traffic was sent down Old Forest Road and Emmbrook Road as a diversion.
At the time, Thames Valley Police said in a tweet: “Our priority is to the safe management of the scene and emergency services in attendance.”
