Nearly 1,000 cannabis plants have been seized from a warehouse following reports of a gas leak.

Police were told of suspicious activity near St Peter’s Street in Maidstone when engineers completing repairs stumbled upon a suspected cannabis cultivation.

Police were called just after 8.20pm on Wednesday (February 26) and patrols attended.

They discovered four tents filled with cannabis plants and a sophisticated ventilation and heating system inside a building.

The plants, thought to hold a street value of around £300,000, have been seized for destruction.

Officers say that two men are understood to have left the scene on foot towards Maidstone East railway station before officers arrived.

It is thought they may have got into a silver Mercedes near the corner of Buckland Hill and St Peter’s Street.

A police spokesperson said: “An investigation is now under way to identify and locate those responsible for the cultivation.

“Officers are now appealing to the public for help to identify two people who may be able to assist with inquiries.”

The men are described as white and of a medium build, with thinning hair. One was wearing a short-sleeved grey t-shirt and had no shoes on.

Anyone with information should contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100 quoting reference number 46/33187/25.

Local residents with private CCTV or drivers with dashcam, who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, are also asked to check for relevant footage.