Police are searching for a missing woman after her dog was reportedly found running loose on a beach.

Fears are growing for the safety of Claire Knights, who was last seen at Minnis Bay in Birchington yesterday afternoon.

The 54-year-old, from Upstreet in Canterbury, is about 5ft, 6ins, with straight brown, greying hair.

A police spokesman said: “The public's help is sought to find a missing woman.

“Claire Knights was last seen in Upstreet yesterday morning and is believed to have travelled to the Minnis Bay area, where she is reported to have been seen later that afternoon.

“She is thought to be carrying a red or pink rucksack and was walking a white and brown spaniel.

“Officers are concerned for her welfare and urge anyone who has seen her or knows of her whereabouts to call 999, quoting reference 23-1922.”

An appeal to find Ms Knights has been circulated widely on social media.

The post states that the woman’s Springer Spaniel was “found running on Minnis Bay beach without collar or lead” and was taken to the police.