Police in Margate have shut down a huge suspected cannabis factory said to be capable of supplying up to £350,000 worth of marijuana every year.

Officers were called just after midday yesterday by the owner of a shop on the High Street. He raised the alarm after noticing that locks to a third floor flat he was renting out had been changed.

When police arrived at the property, they found what was said to be up to 700 plants in various stages of development.

Engineers from EDF Energy were called to ensure the electricity supply was safe before plants and equipment were removed from the premises earlier this morning.

Inquiries are ongoing, a spokesman for Kent Police confirmed.