A CANNABIS farm has been uncovered after officers with a keen sense of smell sniffed out their target.

Police in Hartlepool made the discovery after entering the premises on Lambton Street in the town on Thursday, October 22.

Initial searches of the building appeared to show it was being used as a commercial business, however further investigations led officers to uncover 38 mature cannabis plants.

PC Mark Doherty of Hartlepool Police said: "We were carrying out checks in the local area as part of Operation Relentless to crack down on criminal activity in the local area and came across a very strong smell of cannabis.

"Our initial searches proved inconclusive but we knew something wasnt quite right and our perseverance paid off when we uncovered this established and well-hidden cannabis farm.

"No matter how clever criminals think they might be in trying to cover their activity they cant run. Our message to those involved in such activity is that we are watching and we will put a stop to their activity."

Officers arrested two men at the scene aged 30 and 36 on suspicion of production of cannabis.

The 30 year old man has been released without further action and the 36 year old man has been released on police bail pending further investigation.