'Large-scale' cannabis farm uncovered in derelict Matrix nightclub in Ripon city centre

A derelict nightclub in a North Yorkshire cathedral city was being used to grow a large amount of cannabis, a routine police check revealed.
By Susie Beever
Published 18th Sep 2020, 14:28 BST
Updated 18th Sep 2020, 14:32 BST
Ripon city centre, looking onto the top of KirkgateRipon city centre, looking onto the top of Kirkgate
Ripon city centre, looking onto the top of Kirkgate

Officers raided the former Matrix nightclub in Ripon last night (Thursday) finding a "large-scale" and "sophisticated" cannabis farm.

Moments before, two people had been seen running away from the building suspiciously as police attended to carry out a routine check on the building on Kirkgate in the small city centre.

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A drone was deployed to search for the suspects, but to no avail.

A "large-scale" and "sophisticated" cannabis farm was found inside the former Matrix nightclubA "large-scale" and "sophisticated" cannabis farm was found inside the former Matrix nightclub
A "large-scale" and "sophisticated" cannabis farm was found inside the former Matrix nightclub

North Yorkshire Police then deployed an operational search unit to enter the premises, finding a huge amount of plants being grown illegally.

The former nightclub, affectionately known as 'The Trix', was once a hub of the city's nightlife before its closure in 2016.

It remained cordoned off last night for safety checks so that a full investigation is to be carried out.

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Police are now appealing for anyone with information about the cannabis farm or suspicious activity around the building. Anyone who can help the investigation is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

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