A woman has shared her shock after three men tried to stab her dog after trying to steal him while on a walk in a park.

Clare's partner was walking their pug Sid in Darenth Country Park at around 1pm on Thursday when he was approached by the young men.

WARNING: Graphic images below

She said: "Luke was heading back towards the car park after a walk with his friend and they got approached by three lads.

"They took interest in his mate's dog which is a Shih Tzu puppy, they picked him up and then his friend managed to get him off of the lad.

"Then they went to get Sid and my partner said 'no, you're not having him'.

"So they pulled out a knife and went towards him with it. My partner had Sid in his hands and when they went to stab him in the stomach they ended up getting Sid in the neck."

Luke thought it was only once but when they got to the vet they discovered three stab wounds.

This was the first time they had gone to the park since Easter but will not be returning.

She said: "It's put me off. I don't even want to walk him anymore to be honest. I normally walk him, this is the first time Luke's walked him since I got him in March this year.

"My partner called me straight after it happened and I just felt sick, I just didn't know what to do at all.

"When he was back yesterday, he was very different, he wasn't himself at all. He was anxious, even when I was trying to stroke him he would flinch.

"He wouldn't wag his tail or anything he was just a completely different dog, but I don't know if that was due to the anaesthetic."

Sid was given stitches which he will have to have removed in 10 days and pain relief.

Clare said: "He [Sid] is okay, he's sleeping a lot at the moment but has been up and about earlier which was good.

"The vets were shocked when my partner brought him in, they said he's really strong but he's okay and should recover with time and rest."

The men were described as being between 18 and 25-years-old. Two had brown hair and one had ginger hair.

Police confirmed they had received a report of attempted robbery at Darenth Country Park.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Witnesses including anyone with video footage are urged to call 01474 366149 quoting reference 19-0029.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.