The cannabis farm found at a South Shields building

Shocking pictures, released by Northumbria Police, show rows of cannabis plants which are estimated to have a street value of around £300,000.

Victoria Hall, which was previously home to an Italian restaurant, was raided on Monday morning and officers spent hours clearing out the cannabis farm.

Two men, aged 30 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled substance. They have since been released under investigation.

The cannabis plants are estimated to be worth £300k. Picture by Northumbria Police

It’s the second time a drug farm has been discovered at the property in Fowler Street – although Monday’s find is double the size of the last cannabis haul.

A total of 488 plants, capable of producing skunk cannabis, were recovered when police raided the building in February 2014. It had an estimated crop value of £150,000.

More than 800 plants were found in Monday’s raid – estimated to be worth £300,000.

More than 800 plants were found

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Officers attended and discovered a large cannabis farm inside the property.

“The farm has since been dismantled and enquiries into those responsible for it are currently ongoing. Two people aged 30 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled substance but have both been released under investigation.”

Residents have say there has been a strong smell of cannabis in the area in recent weeks. Picture by Northumbria Police