THE suspected theft of a terrier has left her six-year-old schoolgirl owner frantic with worry.

Molly disappeared from the garden at the home of Tyegan Giles and her 25-year-old mother Kelly in Edgar Road, Canterbury, on June 29 between 3pm and 5.30pm.

The dog was bought at just five weeks old as a gift for Tyegan, a pupil at St Thomas's Roman Catholic Primary School, and now the little girl cannot eat or sleep for worry.

Her mother said: "Molly was there when we came home from school. Then we went to do the shopping and when we got back she was gone.

"I went straight out and searched the garden for an escape route but there isn't one, and she has never tried to escape before, so I think she has been taken.

"Tyegan is crying herself to sleep at night because she thinks Molly isn't safe. She is her best friend. Tyegan even dresses her in dolls' clothes and pushes her around in a pram and she enjoys it.

"Molly is really one of the family and is devoted to Tyegan. She was like her shadow. Whereever Tyegan was, Molly was beside her."

Local vets, the RSPCA and other animal shelters have been contacted but with no success.

Posters have been put up in the area appealing for anyone who thinks they might have seen Molly, who is a small dog with long white hair. Anyone with information is asked to telephone the family on 07951 623191.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at that time should call the police on 01227 762055.