Cannabis factory discovered in flat following tower block fire
A cannabis factory has been growing inside a tower block flat which was engulfed in flames. Residents were evacuated when smoke billowed through Montreal House, on Benmore Avenue, just behind Bristol Road, just after 7.50am on Tuesday (Oct 3).
One man jumped from a flat to escape the fire and was given medical care by fire crews before he was taken to hospital. Police have said cannabis plants were found growing inside a flat and are appealing for information.
Meanwhile, residents[1] who had been standing in the cold weather outside the block were still waiting to hear if their flats had been affected and they could return.
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here[3] A spokesman from West Midlands Police[4] said: "We were called by West Midlands Ambulance to Montreal House, Benmore Avenue, at 8am today after a fire broke out. One man is believed to have been injured after jumping from a window to escape the fire. "A cannabis factory was found at the property and investigations continue. Anyone with information has been asked to contact log 638 of 3 October."
West Midlands Fire Service[5] said 10 fire crews responded to the blaze on the third floor of Montreal House in Benmore Avenue. A spokesperson for the fire service added that they received a number of 999 calls at 7.52am this morning, October 3 and the first fire crews were there within three minutes of being mobilised.
"Firefighters and paramedics gave medical care to a man who is believed to have jumped to safety from a window. He has been taken to hospital. Fire affected half of the flat in which it broke out, although the whole flat and third-floor lobby area were affected by smoke."