More than 100 cannabis plants have been seized after police raided a house in one of Kent’s most picturesque villages.

Officers attended a property in School Road, Saltwood, near Hythe, at 10am this morning and arrested two men and one woman.

Following a short pursuit on foot, a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of drugs and he was taken into custody.

A search was carried out at the property and cannabis plants and growing equipment were seized as part of an ongoing investigation.

Further inquiries led to a 44 year-old-man and a 30-year-old-woman being arrested later the same day.

Folkestone and Hythe community policing sergeant Sarah Williams said: “These types of cannabis cultivations often exploit vulnerable people, with the money ending up in the hands of organised crime groups.

“I urge anyone who believes drugs are being sold or produced in their area to let us know. It will help us build our local intelligence picture and take action against those involved in this illegal trade.”

The raid will come as a shock to residents of Saltwood, which is one of Kent’s most sought-after areas, with average house prices of almost half a million pounds.

The village is home to the popular Michelin-starred Hide and Fox restaurant and highly-rated Saltwood Church of England Primary School.