Cannabis farm with more than 700 plants dismantled

Hundreds of cannabis plants have been seized by police in Gateshead

A cannabis farm with more than 700 mature plants has been uncovered and dismantled.

They were found after reports of suspicious activity on Monday in the Derwent Street area of Chopwell, Gateshead.

Officers also discovered the poor makeshift living conditions where it is believed those tending the plants were staying.

Northumbria Police said the plants were worth an estimated £350,000 and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for it.

Inspector Harninder Bola said: "This is a great result for the team and an excellent example of the work we are doing as a force."

He asked people to continue to "work with us by reporting suspicious activity”.