A giant cannabis factory which could have netted more than £1million every year has been uncovered in a Kent town.

KentOnline was given access to the five-storey building in Hawley Street, Margate, where at least 1,000 plants were being cultivated.

Police have described it as one of the biggest cannabis factories ever discovered in Thanet.

The massive haul was found by firefighters who had been called to a suspected arson attack in the basement on Sunday night.

Police were then alerted and found a forest of plants growing on four of the five floors.

Det Sgt Claire Munday said: "The way it's been set up has caused considerable damage to the building.

"Those responsible have ripped the plaster, made holes in the ceilings and bypassed the electricity supply, which in itself is a serious fire hazard."

Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives at Margate police station on 01843 222076.