A CANNABIS factory worth an estimated £20,000 was discovered in a Cathcart flat.

Emergency services attended a report of a fire within a flat in Tankerland Road at about 7pm on Friday.

The fire, which is believed to have started at the cannabis operation, was extinguished.

Police Scotland said no-one was within the flat at the time and inquiries are ongoing to find out who is responsible for growing the plants.

Detective Chief Inspector Una Maider said: "I cannot emphasise enough the risk of fire to residential properties that have been turned into cannabis factories, and I would urge neighbours and landlords to keep an eye on them and report anything suspicious to police.

"The growing of cannabis plants in residential properties can cause huge devastation and is very dangerous.

"I would like to send out a strong message to those involved in this type of criminal activity that we will continue to actively target those responsible in an effort to rid our local communities of this type of crime."

Police have urged people to be aware of flats or homes growing cannabis plants and look out for signs sigh us a strong smell and people visiting the property at unusual times of the day or night.