THE emergency services responding to a "strong smell of smoke" coming from an address said they discovered almost 100 cannabis plants worth around £75,000.

On Monday, Cleveland Fire Brigade said they turned up to an address on Bathgate Terrace in Hartlepool to investigate the potential fire, before reporting the incident to police.

Responding to concerns, Cleveland Police then attended the property where they discovered 90 cannabis plants.

Detective Inspector Chris Smiles said: "The people running this cannabis farm had created danger for neighbours of the property, who were luckily alerted by the smell of smoke before the situation escalated."

It is believed those behind the production of cannabis, bypassed the electricity supply, requiring the electricity board and fire service to "make the electrics" safe.

Det Insp Smiles added: “Bypassing the electricity, which had created heat and therefore smoke, could have led to a serious fire.

"Thankfully, this did not happen and another group of cannabis farmers has been disrupted, with their set-up dismantled.”

On Wednesday, police issuing an update said no-one had been arrested so far, but enquiries into the incident were ongoing.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Anyone with information regarding cannabis or other drugs activity in their area is urged to ring Cleveland Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."