An extensive six-day police search of a house in a rural village came to an end yesterday evening.

Officers arrived at the three-bedroom semi-detached home in Staplehurst on Friday - where they set up a blue tent in the front garden - but the force is remaining tight-lipped about the nature of the investigation.

Neighbours reported hearing drilling and loud noises coming from inside, and seeing frequent trips by police between the Headcorn Road property and the tent outside.

Three teenagers were arrested in relation to the matter on Thursday but all three were subsequently released pending further enquires.

Police are refusing to reveal on what grounds they were held.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police can confirm warrants were carried out in Staplehurst in connection with an ongoing investigation.

"Searches following the warrants concluded on the evening of October 14. Officers will be continuing to make further enquiries and assess information.

"Three teenagers from the area were arrested on October 8 and subsequently released pending further investigation on October 9."

The property stands on a leafy road close to the heart of the village, where substantial houses set back from the road are valued at more than £400,000.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said police had also called at the property "at least three times" earlier in the year, before the current operation took place.

Earlier this week activity at the scene appeared to be focused on an upstairs room, with officers visible at a window.

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