Two puppies stolen from a house in Folkestone have been returned to their owners - with three people arrested on suspicion of the theft.

The two blue Staffordshire bull terriers were reportedly stolen from a property in Sandgate Road on Tuesday, January 12.

The dogs were just eight weeks old when they were taken.

A woman who had agreed to buy a puppy from the victim before they were stolen appealed on social media to find the missing dogs and on Saturday, January 23 they were contacted by someone saying they had one of the pets.

It was alleged the person said they were willing to hand the animal back in exchange for money.

But this information was passed to police officers and officers from Kent Police’s East Division criminal investigation department and the Shepway Community Policing Team responded.

They successfully managed to recover one of the dogs from the address that same day.

While the owner was picking up her puppy and was giving a statement to officers at Folkestone Police Station, the second dog was handed in to the station.

Three people from Folkestone have since been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

A 23-year-old woman and 19-year-old man have been bailed until Tuesday, March 8 while the third, a 43-year-old woman was bailed until Tuesday, January 26.

Det Con Geoffrey Kirya said the case was still ongoing and that they were continuing to pursue lines of inquiry.

“We’re all pleased that the two puppies have been reunited with their owner.

“I would like to thank the victim and their friend for all of the support they have given officers so far during the investigation.

“I would urge anyone with information on the reported theft of these dogs to contact Kent Police.”

Members of the public with more information can call 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/001297/16 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.