A man has been arrested on suspicion of growing cannabis after a fire at former Indian restaurant revealed a suspected drugs factory inside.

The man was arrested several days after the emergency services were called out to the Akash Tandoori after a fire broke out in the basement of the building in High Street, Chatham, last Thursday, January 26.

Firefighters were called to the property at about 8.30am after smoke was seen coming from the bottom floor of the three story building.

After getting inside and putting out the flames, firefighters discovered a cannabis factory inside and called the police.

The restaurant had been closed for several months before the plants were discovered.

Nearby businesses and shops were left without power during the blaze and several businesses suffered power cuts in the days leading up to the find.

Three fire engines and around 13 firefighters attended.

By 9.30am, the fire was out and crews started damping down hot spots and used a special fan to clear the smoke.

The basement area was severely damaged by fire and the rest of the building has minor smoke damage.

The road was closed between Medway Street and Hamond Hill until 11.15am and Hamond Hill remained closed for most of the day.

Several days later, police arrested a man from the London area.

A spokesman for police added: “A 54-year-old man from Chingford, London, was arrested on Sunday, January 29 on suspicion on production of cannabis.

“He has been bailed until March 17, pending further inquiries. “