Emergency services yesterday discovered a ‘sophisticated’ cannabis factory after battling a fire at a disused.

Police responded to an alert at Marine Residence on Belmont Road, Scarborough by the fire service at 3.30am yesterday morning (Thursday, December 29).

A safety cordon was soon put in place around the site as firefighters worked to get the blaze under control.

Police say it could take up to two days for the fire to go out completely, with crews re-attending during the day to put out pockets of flames.

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The building is believed to have been abandoned at the time of the fire, but there is evidence people had been staying inside to tend to the cannabis plants which police will recover in due course.

Fire investigators determined that the cause of the fire was electrical.

Enquires are ongoing in and around the hotel as officers investigate who is involved in the cannabis factory.

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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Anyone with information that could assist the investigation are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.

“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or make an online report.

“Please quote reference number 12220229340 when providing details.”