A teen who was walking a dog had to cling onto the lead when a man tried to snatch it from her.

Police were called to Athol Road, Ashford, yesterday afternoon following a report that a man had attempted to take a dog from a teenage girl.

It happened at about 3pm. The girl kept hold of the lead and the man left. A police spokesman said the girl had not been hurt.

The suspect was described as being around 5ft 10in, of mixed race, slim and aged between 25 and 30.

He is said to have dark hair, which was short at the sides and longer on the top, and wore light blue jeans and a red 'puffer' jacket.

It comes amid concerns of a rise in the number of dogs being stolen, as their value has soared during the pandemic.

There was a bittersweet moment for a couple from Romney Marsh this week when they were reunited with their stolen pug, only to discover that day that their other dog had gone missing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident in Ashford or who has dashcam or CCTV which may assist the investigation is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/38561/21.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or by using the anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford