Firefighters tackling a blaze at a house in Gillingham discovered a cannabis factory in the property.

It is believed around 100 plants were found in the Livingstone Road house.

The crews had to use force to gain entry to the house just after 2.30pm on Saturday.

They used a thermal imaging camera to locate where the fire had started in the basement.

Police officers were then called and removed a number of cannabis plants from the house.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said they were called out to a fire in an electrical intake.

She added: “Two fire engines attended, the first arriving in just over six minutes of receiving the 999 call.

"They used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke and fumes from the two-storey property.”

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 2.44pm to a report of a fire at a residential premises in Livingstone Road, Gillingham.

"Officers attended and removed a number of cannabis plants from the property. Enquiries are ongoing."

UK Power was also in attendance.