A CANNABIS farm was discovered at a flat fire in Middlesbrough which was extinguished by three firefighting crews.

The alarm was raised at Kensington Road this afternoon (Friday) when emergency services discovered the illegal growing of narcotic plants in the empty property.

Three houses either side of the blaze in Linthorpe were evacuated as a precautionary measure by emergency services due to gas fears.

Cordons were in place and the was road was closed off at Caxton Street and Linthorpe Road.

The fire caused severe damage to an under stairs hallway cupboard, slight smoke damage to the remainder of the property and the electrics were found to be burnt out.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “Police and fire were on scene following a blaze at a flat on Kensington Road in Middlesbrough at about 12.55pm today.

“Gas services are on scene to ensure that the property is safe and while this takes place three properties either side of the address have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

“An initial search of the building has taken place and a cannabis farm has been discovered.

“Fire and police will begin a joint investigation into how the fire started once it is safe for them to enter the property.”