A CANNABIS farm has been found following a blaze in a flat in Middlesbrough this afternoon.

The emergency services were called to the flat on Kensington Road at 12.55pm.

The fire has now been extinguished, however gas services are on scene to ensure that the property is safe.

Three properties either side of the address have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "An initial search of the building has taken place and a cannabis farm has been discovered.

"No-one has been found in the property, however it is currently unsafe for emergency services to carry out a full search."

Cordons remain in place and the road has been closed off at Caxton Street and Linthorpe Road.

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