A KITTEN so young that it could die if kept away from its mother for too long has been stolen from the RSPCA care home at Leybourne, near West Malling.

Five-week-old Harry was snatched out of the pen he shared with his mum, Jasmine, and another kitten by a heartless thief. Harry was taken by a man who was looking around the cat pens between 2pm and 3.15pm.

When staff at the care home turned their backs he forced open the glass door of the pen and grabbed the ginger kitten. Now the RSPCA is appealing to people to help track tiny Harry down before it is too late.

RSPCA spokeswoman Klare Kennet said: "Harry was not been weaned yet, which means he still relies on his mother for food. He may die without her."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Maidstone and Malling Police's Area Crime Management Unit on 01622 608189 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.