A family is appealing for information after two foxhound puppies were stolen.

Burglars broke into stables at a farm off Bedlam Lane, Egerton before taking 10-week-old hounds Stroller and Student, between 9pm on Sunday night and 8am on Monday morning.

It is thought they ripped down a fence before breaking into the outbuilding before stealing the dogs, their feed, horse blankets and grooming kit.

Mother-of-two Megan Palmer, 29, said her young sons Harry, aged six, and Olly, aged two, were heartbroken.

The puppies belonged to Ashford Valley Hunt and were due to stay with Mrs Palmer and husband farmer Adam, both hunt members, before being returned to the pack in September.

“They’re not pets,” said Mrs Palmer. “Even if someone takes them, they’re not trained for hunting. They’re just puppies. They’re meant to be with their pack."

Stroller is sandy and white, and looks like a traditional hound puppy, while Student is mainly white with a few sandy patches, had one sandy-coloured ear and unusual black markings around one eye.

The burglars also targeted a neighbouring farm taking two ferrets, diesel and a petrol strimmer were stolen.

Anyone with information is urged to call the PC Jonathan Nock on 01233 896288 quoting crime reference ZY/19050/13.

For full story see this week's Kentish Express.