A landlord is in shock and facing a costly clean-up bill after two semi-detached houses in a leafy Wolverhampton suburb were turned into a cannabis factory.

Police discovered almost 1,000 of the illegal plants at the homes in Penn while carrying out routine business on an unrelated matter.

They found that the properties in Wynchcombe Avenue had been converted to produce the drug despite all outward appearances of normality. The houses are well-kept with paved driveways and clean exteriors.

They look in-keeping with the surrounding houses in the quiet suburban street.

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A landlord is in shock and facing a costly clean-up bill after two semi-detached houses in a leafy Wolverhampton suburb were turned into a cannabis factory.

Police discovered almost 1,000 of the illegal plants at the homes in Penn while carrying out routine business on an unrelated matter.

They found that the properties in Wynchcombe Avenue had been converted to produce the drug despite all outward appearances of normality. The houses are well-kept with paved driveways and clean exteriors.

They look in-keeping with the surrounding houses in the quiet suburban street.

Sgt Tony Price said: “There was a comprehensive cannabis set-up in most of the rooms of both of the houses, including the lofts.

“Electricity had been diverted from the mains to power heating and ventilation systems.”

A detailed forensic search is under way as officers look for clues to find those behind the operation. They have emptied dozens of bags of soil and roots from within the properties.

Both buildings had been rented on a three-year lease via an agency since last February to Chinese people.

The 32-year-old owner of the properties, who did not want to be named, said: “One house used to be our family home and we are shocked and stunned.”

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and will be released on bail or charged later today.