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The blaze erupted around 12:45 GMT at the Tetbury Industrial Estate on Cirencester Road. Eyewitnesses reported seeing three men fleeing the scene as flames engulfed the building. Emergency services rushed to contain the fire, which caused significant structural damage, rendering the site unsafe for entry.
Gloucestershire police arrested a 26-year-old man nearby on suspicion of drug manufacturing and producing cannabis, a class B drug. However, the two other men seen fleeing the scene remain at large.
Authorities launched an intensive search operation to track down the escaped suspects. With assistance from the National Police Air Service and K-9 units, officers scoured the surrounding farmland, but the two men managed to evade capture.
Police described the suspects as being in their 20s or 30s. One was wearing a black hooded top and grey jogging bottoms, while the other was dressed in black shorts and a red hooded top.
The fire left the industrial unit extensively damaged, with officers remaining on-site overnight to secure the area. Authorities noted the potential dangers posed by the instability of the building, which will require further assessment before any investigative work can continue inside.
Road closures that were initially implemented to allow emergency services access have since been lifted, restoring traffic flow in the area.
Gloucestershire police are appealing to the public for information to help identify and locate the remaining suspects. Anyone who witnessed the fire or has knowledge of the individuals involved is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Cannabis Farm Fire Sparks Manhunt: Should Authorities Be Doing More to Crack Down on Illegal Grow Ops?
Yes, these operations pose serious risks.
No, resources should focus elsewhere.
Unsure, the issue is complicated.
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