Police have accidentally stumbled across a drugs factory on Teesside.

Officers found the bedrooms of a house in central Middlesbrough stripped of all furniture, the walls painted white, specialist lighting installed, irrigation systems and foil covering the windows to deflect light.

They recovered 40, three feet high cannabis plants with a street value of £80,000, and seeds and leaves drying out for sale.

Cleveland Police revealed officers had called round to the house in the town's Union Street on other matters and went upstairs to carry out a search when they made the drugs production find.

Inspector Gary Gamesby said: "This was a significant find. These premises had been extensively and professionally fitted out to maximise the production of cannabis.

"We are delighted to have removed yet more drugs from Teesside streets and to see more dealers due before the courts.

My message to those producing and dealing drugs is that we are watching you; and it's only a matter of time before we come knocking at your door.''

Two men, one aged 36, the other 30 years, have been arrested in connection with the cannabis, but have been bailed, pending further police inquiries.