A police appeal has been launched after a man grabbed a cocker spaniel by its collar in an alleged dog-napping attempt.

A woman was walking her pet in Newington at the junction of Hill Lane, near Crete Road West in Folkestone, when the incident happened at around 5.30pm yesterday.

The police said two men were standing on a track that leads to woodland.

The area is a renowned dog walking spot for Shepway residents.

Police spokesman Jon Green said: "One of the men had got hold of the dog by its collar and was abusive to the dog’s owner.

"The men were wearing hooded tops, one white and one black."

The dog's name is Buddy and he is still a puppy.

It is understood the dog managed to wriggle free and run back to its owner.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting crime reference ZY/5772/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.