Work to build five homes opposite a park has been halted after builders made a surprise archaeological discovery.

Diggers moved onto the site in Military Road, opposite Sandgate Park, a few weeks ago as foundations for the houses were laid.

But days after starting, work stopped suddenly after two brick tanks were discovered that are thought to be linked to a home that was once on the site and which may have been bombed during the Second World War.

A spokesman from KCC said: “Work has been halted during the digging of the foundations of one of the new houses because of the discovery of two brick tanks, dating probably from the early 20th century.

“The tanks may have been associated with a house that used to exist in the same area of the site.

“The tanks are being left in situ at present and are being recorded.

“The two underground brick tanks were probably used for water storage and the archaeological watching brief at the site will try to find evidence to understand how they were used.”

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) confirmed an investigation into the discovery is underway, but is at a “very early stage”.

Cllr Tim Prater, who represents Sandgate and West Folkestone, said one theory is that the find came from a home that was destroyed by the Luftwaffe.

“One person says they’re from an old house which was probably bombed down during the Second World War,” the Lib Dem councillor said.

“There was an archaeological watching brief on the site, so as they are developing it they are required to keep an eye on the archaeology they find and to treat it carefully.

“Discussions are being made about what they are doing with it.”

The trees that were previously on the land were chopped down in spring ahead of the development.

The money made from the sale of the five detached homes will be put towards restoring and renovating the two Martello towers that sit on the surrounding land.

Martello towers are small defensive forts that were built across the British Empire during the 19th century.

Both towers are Grade II-listed and are currently on English Heritage’s “monuments at risk” register.

Developers Best Choice Construction Ltd hope their works will be the start of preserving them.

Plans show Martello tower six is set to be turned into a into a holiday let, while tower seven will be converted into a separate dwelling.