A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire ripped through a house - where a suspected cannabis farm was found days earlier.

Police were called to the house in Barton Road, Dover, in the early hours of Friday morning, along with seven fire engines and a height vehicle.

Some residents were told to leave their homes while crews tackled the flames.

Two schools - Barton Junior School and Shatterlocks Infant and Nursery School - were closed due to the incident.

Bus provider Stagecoach also warned of disruption to its services, with town centre roads clogged up with cars.

Crews remained at the scene throughout the morning, with damage seen to the home’s roof.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has not been revealed.

But police have today confirmed they are treating the fire as arson, and an investigation is underway.

A 40-year-old man has since been arrested and released on bail pending further enquires.

The fire came four days after police were called to the same house following reports of a burglary.

Instead, officers found evidence of a cannabis farm.

A police spokesman said: “Officers attended a property in Barton Road, Dover following a report of a possible burglary at 8.30pm on Monday, January 16.

“Nobody was present at the property but officers found evidence of possible cannabis cultivation and an investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information about the suspected cannabis cultivation should call police on 01843 222289, quoting ref 46/9349/23.

Anyone with information about the fire should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/11349/23.