PIGEON detectives proved to be winged super sleuths when they helped police bust a £48,000 (US$72,748) cannabis farm.

    Heat given off by hydroponic lamps used to grow the plants attracted the avian officers to a roof on a cold winter morning.

    This served as a clue to their human counterparts in the Merseyside town of Newton-le-Willows, reports the Liverpool Echo.

    Officers saw around 300 of the pigeons keeping warm on top of a building just yards from their police station.

    They executed a search warrant after becoming suspicious that it was the only roof without frost on it.

    They found 14 cannabis plants, capable of producing up to £1,200 worth of the drug every 10 weeks, and cannabis growing equipment.

    Since the cannabis farm was shut down Dec. 10, the flock of pigeons have moved on.

    A 43-year-old man voluntarily attended St. Helens police station Monday and is being questioned.

    Chief Inspector Jonathan Davies said, “This recovery was a result of officers identifying one of the many potential indicators for a cannabis farm.

    “The growing of cannabis brings dangers to neighboring properties.”

    “Cannabis farms are a serious fire risk,” he continued. “Those who set up these farms often tamper with the electricity meters to steal electricity, and there will generally be a number of hot lamps hooked to overloaded electricity sockets and an extensive watering system.”(SD-Agencies)