FIRE believed to be caused by the electrics of a cannabis farm tore through the lofts of four houses in a terraced street.

Emergency services were called to Prospect Terrace, in New Kyo, near Stanley, just after 7pm on Tuesday night.

Three fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to the scene by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

It took around three hours to get the fire under control.

Acting Neighbourhood Inspector, Dave Clarke, from Durham Constabulary, said: “The fire is believed to have been caused by the electrics of a cannabis farm at a property in the street.

“A joint investigation with the fire service is underway.

“I would encourage anyone with suspicions about premises in their neighbourhoods to contact us.”

No-one was injured in the fire.

Scott Foster, 24, who lives next door to one of the damaged houses, said: “I was out and got a phone call from my wife to say we have to evacuate the house. I got back and saw the smoke and the fire brigade was here.

“It could be there was a short circuit in the electrics. The lights in my house were flickering a couple of hours before the fire started.”