A suspected illegal vodka distillery was discovered along with a cannabis farm during a raid in Oldham.

Officers found hundreds of gallons of highly flammable liquids, including ethanol and alcohol, in containers surrounding a large still. It is suspected it was being used to produce illegal vodka.

More than 130 cannabis plants worth £60,000 were also discovered when officers from Oldham's Operational Support Unit (OSU) raided a unit on an industrial estate off Schofield Street, Hathershaw at about 1pm on Tuesday.

A large Mercedes van was also seized.

Police continued to search the premises throughout the day and were joined by a special investigation team from HM Customs and Revenue, during which the power supply to the unit had to be cut off by United Utilities to make it safe.

Teams will remain at the unit today to continue their search and police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) provided reassurance in the area to local residents.

A 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and customs offences and have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Detective Constable Dave Millwood, from the Oldham OSU, said: "This is another fantastic result for the OSU. We have stopped thousands of pounds worth of drugs from hitting the streets and also uncovered what we believe is an illegal vodka factory.

"In the past, illegally produced vodka has proved to be extremely hazardous and potentially lethal due to the high concentration of alcohol in the liquid. As well as disrupting a criminal operation, from a public safety point of view we have stopped this poisonous substance from harming anyone.

"I would like to thank members of the community who helped us in uncovering this illegal enterprise and would appeal to anyone who has information about criminal activity in their neighbourhood to call us. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone with information should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.