A possible sighting has been reported of a dog which disappeared after her owner took his own life.

Christopher Fisher went missing with his black and white cocker spaniel Molly around Dering Woods between Smarden and Pluckley, near Ashford back in August.

The body of Mr Fisher, who was from Headcorn and had autism, was then found in the woods more than a week after his initial disappearance, but his beloved pet was never located.

Now, more than four months on, a new potential sighting has been recorded.

Missing Pets GB, a Twitter page dedicated to re-uniting pets with their owners, posted the news this morning saying: "Could this be our #ChristmasMiracle?

"Possible Molly #sighting in #derringwoods #Kent #SOS"

It continued with a description of the potential spot: "There has been a sighting of a black and white spaniel dog in Dering Woods, Pluckley, looking very thin and dishevelled. Anyone in the area please keep a lookout." followed by the hashtag #wheresmolly.

In an update, the account added that family and friends of Mr Fisher have been looking in the woods 'most of the time to put down scent'.

Mr Fisher left his home in Headcorn on the morning of August 9 with the cocker spaniel but neither returned.

At an inquest into his death last month, the coroner was told the 31-year-old had struggled with stress in the wake of cuts to his disability allowance and a change in support worker while coming to terms with his grandmother's death.

Mr Fisher's disappearance was reported by Kent Fire and Rescue Service as they responded to a 999 call following a fire at the family home in Bankfields at around 10am.

A huge search was sparked across Headcorn and the surrounding areas before his Vauxhall Corsa was found parked close to Dering Woods in Smarden around four hours later.

On August 17, eight days after he went missing, Mr Fisher was found hanging from a tree by a member of the public.

His body was identified by Detective Sergeant Steve Smith.

Assistant coroner Katrina Hepburn concluded there was no third party involvement and that Mr Fisher intended to take his own life, recording a conclusion of suicide.

In a statement at the time of the inquest, Mr Fisher's family thanked everyone who helped and was involved in the search, and asked for privacy to grieve.

Kent Police have been contacted for comment.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.