The Prague restaurant and bar in St Sepulchre Gate West was devastated in a suspected arson attack after police seized 603 cannabis plants in a drugs bust.

These pictures show dozens of plants that were under cultivation at the premises as well as powerful lighting system rigged up to help the drug grow. The town centre factory was also fitted with an expensive hydroponics system to water the plants.

Following the raid hundreds of plants were boxed up and taken away by police for tests.

A man in his 20s from Doncaster was arrested in connection with the production of cannabis and released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Constable Neil Beresford said: "This is one the largest cannabis factories we have found in Doncaster.

"There was a sophisticated hydroponics set-up with a substantial amount of expensive equipment. "

Police swooped on the building after obtaining a search warrant.

Approximately 15 hours later fire crews from Adwick, Maltby, Mexborough and Doncaster spent around two hours extinguishing the blaze.

Detectives are currently investigating both incidents and are linking
the two.

The Czech restaurant, which had been open only a few months, was closed at the time of the fire.

External doors, which showed signs of being forced open, have since been secured with screw plates to prevent them being opened.

The drugs raid happened at about 11am last Thursday with fire crews being called to the restaurant at around 2.30am on Friday.

Anyone with information about the premises or any of the incidents should contact police on 0114-220 2020 quoting incident number 359 of October 2 or call Crimestop-pers on 0800-555111.