Two trained gundogs have been stolen from the back of a car.

Now police are appealing for help in tracing them and returning them to their distraught owner.

They were taken from blue Volvo V40 estate which was parked at Syndale in Ospringe, near Faversham sometime between 1.25pm and 3pm on Thursday.

Meg, a seven-year-old black and white springer spaniel, and Willow, a four-and-a-half-year-old brown and white cocker spaniel, were both micro-chipped and were wearing collars when they were taken.

Owner Douglas Barker, who had been working the dogs on a rough shoot at Syndale that morning, is desperate to be reunited with his dogs.

He said: "The dogs had worked hard all morning and I left them in the car to have a rest, a decision I regret."

The 71-year-old, from Cliftonville added: "When I returned to the car and saw the boot open and the dogs gone I felt heartsick. Those two dogs have been my left and right hand, one for seven years and one for four years.

"I am worried about how they are being treated. Gundogs have special diets and special commands. No-one, without exception, will be able to work those dogs except me because you train them just to work with you. They have both been spayed so can't be used for breeding, either."

Detective Chief Inspector Susie Harper has appealed for help in finding the dogs.

She said: "We know that a local woman was out on her horse at about 3.15pm and saw a man on foot walking away from the farm with two dogs on leads that match Meg and Willow's descriptions.

"Someone must know what has happened to these two much-loved dogs. The dogs' care and welfare is a major concern and we urge anyone who knows where they are to let us know so they can be returned to their owner."

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Kent Police on 01795 419182 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime number CY/000657/11.