A terraced house where a fire broke out last night was being used as a cannabis farm, police have confirmed.

The fire broke out at around 1am in the early hours of this morning in The Highway, just off Lewes Road, in Brighton.

Sussex Police have confirmed that between 50 to 100 cannabis plants along with cultivation equipment were found in the house.

One passerby described "smoke from two chimneys" and alerted the emergency services.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Firefighters alerted police after they discovered a suspected cannabis farm while tackling a fire at a house in Brighton.

"Officers were called to The Highway at 1.29am on Tuesday, December 13, following the discovery of 50-100 plants and associated cultivation equipment.

"Anyone with information is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 57 of 13/12. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously online or on 0800 555 111."

The Argus: A smashed window at the houseA smashed window at the house (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service had four fire engines at the scene.

The fire service asked for people to avoid the area.

Power was cut off from the building and crews cut away parts of the building and damped it down.

No injuries have been reported.