Heartbroken owners are appealing for the return of a Staffordshire bull terrier stolen from Longfield last month.

The black and white bull terrier named Pippa is believed to have been picked up by thieves in Station Road, Longfield, on Sunday December 11, after she escaped from her nearby home.

Police say witnesses reported seeing the dog in Station Road around between midnight and 1am and enquiries are on-going into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

A facebook page has been set up to help coordinate the search and owner Leslie Elliott has appealed to the thieves to get in touch.

Writing on the page friend Sheona Loveridge said: "Pippa escaped out of her front door at midnight Saturday December 10 from Longfield. It has now been discovered that she was picked up and stolen.

"Please do the right thing, Pippa is a much loved family pet and this family are broken-hearted as will be Pippa. Let's get Pippa home."

Anyone with information that can help is asked to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference XY/50855/16.

Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.