Detectives are on the hunt for a man who led police on a chase and ran away from a dog.

Officers received a report of a stolen Skoda Fabia shortly after 10.30pm yesterday.

The car, which was taken from Cornwall Gardens, Canterbury, was located by officers in the Littlebourne Road area of the city around 20 minutes later.

The driver, who was described by officers as an “athletic criminal opportunist”, got out of the car and, despite an area search carried out by officers and a police dog, he was not found.

Inquiries to track him down are ongoing.

A tweet from Police in Canterbury said: “Vehicle stolen this evening in Canterbury by an athletic criminal opportunist.

“The vehicle was found within 20 minutes by #LPT1 – short car chase – then male suspect made off on foot into the night.

“Forensics may yet catch him.”

Anyone who witnessed the car theft or has information about the incident is asked to phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference number 04-1899.

Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.