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A cannabis farm in Redcar is one of the largest Cleveland Police have uncovered in the area, the force has said.

Acting on a tip off, officers attended a property in the Dormanstown area of Redcar, and found hundreds of plants inside.

They were later estimated to have a street value of between £544,600 and £1,633,800.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved, and anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to get in touch.

Insp Neil Deluce, from Cleveland Police, said: “This is one of the biggest cannabis farms we have uncovered and seized in Redcar.

“Often people don’t realise that cannabis farms can involve the exploitation of vulnerable people who are trafficked into the country by organised crime networks, to work in the property illegally and in terrible conditions.

“They can also be extremely hazardous due to the electricity that is used to make them grow. This can lead to fires being started that could spread to neighbouring properties.

“I therefore want to take this opportunity to encourage members of the public to keep spotting the signs of a cannabis grow and to get in touch if you have suspicions.”

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