Stolen birds have been recovered as part of a police probe.

Finches, weavers and canaries were among a haul of more than 50 birds ransacked from properties near Folkestone and Ashford between January 20-21.

Officers raided a premises in Great Chart, Ashford on Thursday at 8am, where a variety of birds, believed to be from the Lyminge property near Folkestone were recovered.

Officers also seized a collection of stolen power tools and gardening equipment.

A 47-year-old man from Ashford was arrested at the scene on suspicion of burglary.

In addition two other Ashford men, aged 28 and 57, were arrested on suspicion of theft after a car reported stolen from Maidstone last was also recovered by police.

The trio have been released pending further investigation.

Officers swooped on a second address in Crundale Close, Ashford at 4pm the same day, where a further 14 birds were recovered.

A 41-year-old man from Ashford was arrested and remains in police custody.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish who they belong to.

Police said in a statement officers will speak to the victim of a burglary in Stowting near Ashford, on Sunday January 20, where birds were also reported stolen.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw said: "We continue to urge people living in rural areas with birds and other animals to be vigilant and call us straight away regarding any suspicious activity.

"Check your security measures and visit kent.police.uk/advice/rural-crime/ and www.kent.police.uk/burglary/ for more advice."