AN ATTEMPT by a group of children to sail away in a stolen 16ft dingy off the Kent coast only failed because the tide was going out, say police.

The children were seen pushing the boat into the sea at Seasalter, near Whitstable, at around 2pm on Wednesday.

Although the three children pushed the dingy on its trailer for a considerable distance, trying to launch it, the low tide meant that they had to abandon the boat around 300 yards from shore.

The children, two boys and a girl all believed to be aged about 12, were then seen to return to the beach and cycle off in the direction of Faversham.

The Coastguard recovered the boat, worth about £5,000, and returned it to Seasalter Sailing Club.

Police Insp Ray Carver said: “This was not just attempted theft. It was potentially very dangerous.

"Without proper safety equipment and training these children could have quickly found themselves at sea with no way of controlling the boat and unable to call for help.

"We would urge boat owners to secure their craft, both to prevent them being stolen and from being used by children.”