Police are investigating after a cannabis factory was discovered in two flats in Ramsgate.

Officers were called to the adjoining properties in King Street at around 10am on Friday, July 7.

They discovered 129 mature cannabis plants along with extensive growing equipment.

Crime scene investigators carried out forensic examinations at the flats before the factory was dismantled by members of the Community Policing Team and the Divisional Support Unit.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Brian Doughty said: "This discovery will have had a significant impact on the supply of illegal drugs in Thanet.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish who was running the cannabis factory.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has seen suspicious activity in the King Street area of Ramsgate. We would also like to hear from anyone suspecting that a cannabis factory may be operating in their area."

Signs of a cannabis factory can include windows being permanently covered from the inside and visits to the address not matching normal residents’ patterns, that is people calling daily or weekly but only for short periods of time.

Detective Sergeant Doughty said: "Often a pungent smell will emanate from the building. Sometimes this even seeps through walls to adjacent properties.

"Other telltale signs can include compost bags and other gardening equipment in the garden or close to the back door without any clear indication of normal gardening, or vents protruding from the roof tiles," he added.

Anyone with information about the King Street cannabis factory should phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number ZY/030539/17.

If you have information about illegal drug supply in your neighbourhood, contact Kent Police on 101 or speak to your local police community support officer.