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Cannabis plants found in same building where fatal fire broke out in Connaught Road, Folkestone

00:00, 22 February 2017

updated: 13:54, 22 February 2017

Officers investigating the cause of a fatal flat fire also discovered "several" cannabis plants in the same building.

Officers and firefighters were called to Connaught Road in Folkestone at around 9.20am on Tuesday, February 14.

Thomas Oakes, an 81-year-old retired painter and decorator was pulled from the blaze and taken to hospital where he died the next day.

Emergency crews were at the scene for several hours. Picture: Gary Browne
Emergency crews were at the scene for several hours. Picture: Gary Browne

The cause of the fire was investigated and is not linked to the drugs discovery, which is a separate incident.

Police have confirmed that the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail until Tuesday, March 14, pending further inquiries.

A police spokesman said: "Officers were in Connaught Road dealing with a fatal fire when the cannabis plants were found, however the fire is not being treated as suspicious and is not linked to the cannabis."

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