Three people were arrested after cannabis was allegedly found growing in a flat above a shop following a suspicious fire.

Police and fire crews were called to the blaze outside the Macknade Stores in Faversham on October 13, and three were held on suspicion of drug offences and money laundering.

The Premier Express convenience store, which is in Canterbury Road, has been closed ever since, with a notice in the window informing customers of a "power issue".

Co-owner of the shop Urvashi Patel told KentOnline the shop is closed due to an electrical fault, which is due to be fixed on Monday, and the shop will reopen soon.

She said the arrests were not related to the business.

A police spokesman said: "At around 8.35pm on 13 October 2022, officers attended a location in Canterbury Road, Faversham, where it is suspected that a flat had been used to cultivate cannabis.

"Three people were subsequently arrested in connection with drug cultivation and money laundering offences.

"They were all later released, pending the outcome of further investigation."

The fire service confirmed crews were called to reports of a fire "outside a commercial premises" in Canterbury Road just before 8pm on October 13.

A spokesman continued: "One fire engine attended and crews used a hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious.

"Kent Police also attended."

Crews left the scene just after 9.30pm.