Police have carried out what is believed to be a large drugs bust on the Isle of Sheppey.

Officers raided a terraced house in St George's Avenue, Sheerness, this morning and took away 'vast' amounts of cannabis plants.

A forensics van, two police cars and a large police van were parked outside the premises.

Two crews from UK Power Networks are also at the scene, digging up the pavement.

Police officers were guarding the bright red door of the property and refused to reveal details but passers-by said a strong smell of marijuana was coming from the premises.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 3.22am to a report of a group of people causing a disturbance near a house in St George's Avenue, Sheerness.

"Officers attended and found a cannabis cultivation inside the property.

"Officers are currently at the scene along with UK Power Networks who are working to ensure the property is safe.

"Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing."

Neighbour Derek Lambert, 76, said: "I have no idea what is going on.

"I opened the curtains at 8.30 this morning and found the police and electricity vans parked outside on the pavement.

"No one will tell me what is going on although police asked if I heard anything from the building last night. But I didn't."

The retired stevedore added: "It is a lovely building inside with four large bedrooms. I looked after it for 18 months after the lady who lived there died. I think it is now owned by a London borough."

He said workmen dug up the path outside a year ago and added: "They told me they were connecting the internet. Perhaps they were bypassing the electricity meter?"

Another resident, Charlene Greening, said: "Police have started taking away a vast amount of what looks like cannabis plants and electrical wiring."