POLICE want to question two men and a woman who rented a remote country cottage, after it was discovered that it had been turned into a drugs factory.

A large quantity of cannabis plants were discovered by firefighters called after a blaze broke out in the 16th century listed home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Neighbours to the property in Cheveney Lane, Yalding, were woken by a fire alarm and the smell of burning at 2.30am.

They rushed round to the home, fearing that the woman who had been caretaking the property might be inside, but were unable to raise her.

It was later confirmed that the woman was not at home.

The fire spread quickly, helped by a large quantity of black plastic sheeting that had been placed over all the windows.

Residents from five adjoining properties had to be evacuated. They stayed with a neighbour further down the road for about three hours until firefighters allowed them back home.

Crews from Marden, Paddock Wood and Maidstone using breathing apparatus tackled the blaze, which started on the first floor.

Art student Victoria Grant was the first to realise something was wrong. She said: "I was asleep in my bedroom, which is next to their wall. I think the smell of burning plastic woke me first and then I heard the alarm.

"I woke my mum and we rushed round to see what was happening. There was smoke coming from the roof, but we couldn’t see through the windows because of the plastic. Then suddenly we saw flames through the first floor window."

It is believed that a large quantity of lamps used to cultivate the cannabis overheated and caused the fire.

Miss Grant, currently on vacation from her art studies in Falmouth, said: "We thought the flames would spread to our house - so I went back inside and thought `What shall I rescue?` - I grabbed by artwork!"

Police are now searching for the trio who rented the house three months ago. Neighbours say that the woman had described herself as the cleaner and spoke little English.

One neighbour, who didn’t wish to be identified, said: "Obviously we had no idea there were drugs there, but it was a bit strange. They always used the back door and the woman always locked the door after herself, even if she were just going out into the garden."

The house is now sealed off while scenes of crime officers investigate.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Maidstone police station on 01622 604180 or call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.