Seven puppies and an adult dog have been stolen from a house in Charing Heath near Ashford.

Six sprockers puppies - a cross between springer and cocker spaniels - a six-year-old springer spaniel bitch and an 11-week-old boxer cross German shepherd puppy were all taken in the raid.

A ninth - a German shepherd guard dog - was also injured during the theft.

The owner, who does not wish to be identified, was alerted to the theft at just after midnight on Saturday when he was awoken by the sound of dogs barking.

When he went to check the kennels in his garden, he found the dogs had gone.

It is believed the thieves injured a guarding German shepherd by throwing something at the animal in an attempt to keep it quiet.

The sprockers are described as chocolate and white coloured and are nearly eight weeks old.

They were being advertised for sale. Their mother was not stolen.

Now police are appealing for information to help find the missing dogs.

PC Leanne Kingwell said: "I would appeal to anyone with information or knowledge of where the puppies might be to get in touch.

"I would also like to warn owners of dogs and puppies to be extra vigilant and take as many security measures as possible to prevent them from being stolen."

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 101, giving reference ZY/5747/14.