A family is devastated after their pet puppy was stolen from their back garden.

Missy, a 14-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier, was taken from a garden in Shakespeare Road, Gillingham, on Monday.

The family knows Missy was stolen because the garden was fenced in.

Owner Ben Mayes said his seven-year-old daughter Chloe is distraught.

He said: “Missy was not just a family pet. She was more than that. She was more like my daughter’s sister. She was one of the family.

“We’ve been out walking the streets looking for her and speaking to people to see if they know anything.

“It’s just disgusting someone would take her from us. I’m angry but I just want her back. I’d be quite happy if someone just drove up with her in a car and dropped her off at the house. We just want her to be safe”

It is thought Missy was taken while Mr Mayes’ house was empty. She had access to the garden via a dog flap.

If you have seen Missy or know where she is, please call Ben Mayes on 07930241434