Police have uncovered a sprawling cannabis farm in a disused commercial site.

Officers were carrying out patrols after a report of suspicious activity in Ramsgate yesterday when they discovered more than 1,000 plants.

The illicit growing site was located in a disused commercial premises in Broad Street.

Police say the electricity and the water supplies were also found to have been tampered with and engineers were called in as a precaution to ensure the area was safe.

While at the scene, officers spotted a man nearby and arrested him on suspicion of cultivating a class B drug.

The 28-year-old currently remains in custody while the investigation continues.

Officers remain at the scene to clear the building and ensure it is made safe.

Inspector Richard Batten said: “It is crucial to remove these sites as soon as possible so they cannot be used by criminals to fund more serious illegal activities in an area.

“Through regular patrols of the streets in Thanet, our town centre officers know the locations well and are on hand to look into anything suspicious when they become aware of it and react swiftly to help keep communities safe.”

Anyone who has any information regarding the activity at the building can call police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/67203/25.