A cannabis farm with more than 1,000 plants has been discovered just metres from a primary school.

Officers were called to a property in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Wednesday evening and remain at the scene as they empty the building.

Lights, insulation, and other materials could be seen on the street opposite Byron Primary School as police remain outside two days on.

In total, around 1,600 plants have been removed.

On Thursday evening (July 25), a police van and car remained outside the building, which is found just down the road from the Co-op store.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police located a cannabis cultivation at a property in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, on July 24.

“A quantity of plants have been seized, along with growing equipment. Police remain at the scene. Inquiries are ongoing.”

One shop owner, who was working nearby, said: "Around four or five vans turned up and we had no idea what was going on.

"There was a strong smell coming from the building down the road and they've been there ever since but won't tell us what's happening.

"I didn't see anyone be taken away but they've been taking things out for a while."