A LARGE quantity of cannabis has been found at the Herefordshire home of a man arrested for allegedly shooting a burglar at the property.

Police officers carrying out forensic work in connection to the burglary and shooting incidents found a well organised, large scale cannabis cultivation at the Whitbourne home of the man, named locally as Malcolm White, who is in his 60s.

As reported yesterday the man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the incident on Wednesday night.

Detective Superintendent Ivan Powell at Hereford CID said: "I can confirm that as a result of this discovery at the property earlier today the man in his 60s who was arrested last night on suspicion of attempted murder has also now been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of controlled drugs.

"In addition a woman in her late 50s is also now in police custody on suspicion of cultivation of controlled drugs as part of our investigation.

"I would like to reiterate that this is a major investigation and that we are continuing to look at a number of possible lines of enquiry. One of these lines of enquiry is attempting to establish whether the individuals involved knew each other prior to the events of last night.

"Many wild theories appear to be circulating about this incident - most of which are completely inaccurate - and I would therefore ask that the press are responsible in terms of what they report. We will release more, factually correct information about this incident as soon as we can but for operational reasons at this stage we are unable to release any further details.

"We would, however, once again appeal for any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the areas around Whitbourne and Leigh Sinton between 7.45pm and 8.15pm last night to come forward with that information.

"We also remain extremely keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a suspicious vehicle, possibly being driven at speed, travelling along routes between Whitbourne and Leigh Sinton, as well anyone who saw the two men in their 20s in the centre of Leigh Sinton.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Hereford CID on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.