POLICE confirmed last night that a burnt out rural Hampshire home had been a cannabis factory.

More than 25 firefighters battled a blaze at a remote bungalow at Shootash near Romsey with one of their crew being taken to hospital after suffering a medical reaction to the fire.

When police went to investigate the fire, which they believed to be suspicious, they discovered the remains of plant growing equipment inside the home as well as in a van parked outside.

A Hampshire police spokesman said further examination points towards a lucrative cannabis growing operation.

He said: “There was evidence that cannabis plants had been growing.

“But due to the fire they did not recover any and are unable to say how many as they were just left with some burnt leaves whereas the equipment was more intact.”

A line of inquiry being taken by detectives is that the electrical supply could have sparked the blaze that completely gutted the bungalow.

A 34-year-old man and a 49- year-old man from Totton along with a 62-year-old man from Southampton have been granted police bail until August 8 while the inquiry continues.