TWO men have been arrested by armed police officers after it was reported that a derelict building in Pingewood was being prepared as a cannabis farm.

A 34 and 29-year-old man from Reading were arrested by armed police on suspicion of producing Class B drugs, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, using electricity without authority and burglary other than in a dwelling with intent to steal.

At around 12pm on January 16, armed police arrested the duo after discovering a derelict building near to Reading Lake Hotel in Pingewood was being prepared as a cannabis farm.

Officers found a samurai sword in the building.

The men have been released under investigation in connection with producing Class B drugs.

Police followed a suspicious looking car after making a stop five miles away in Imperial Way, close to Basingstoke Road in Whitley before making the arrest.