A GERMAN Shepherd dog is on the loose after killing a Labrador dog and injuring its woman owner.

The animal is still at large after mauling the pet in Bells Farm Road, Hadlow.

The attack, described by a Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council spokeswoman, as 'savage and unprovoked', took place at 7am on Tuesday (March 30) while the woman and her dog were out walking in a field near Bells Farm Road.

The German Shepherd, which appeared to be on the loose with no owner nearby, killed the Labrador and bit the woman's hands as she tried to protect her pet.

Brian Milligan, Tonbridge and Malling dog warden, said: "We really want to make the public aware that there is a dog out there, at large.

"This dog is extremely dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances."

It is believed the dog could be anywhere in the Hadlow, East Peckham and Golden Green area.

Tim Fryer, of Russett Road, East Peckham said residents were concerned, and not just for the safety of their pets.

"Obviously the main concern would be if the dog ran up to the playing fields here, where there are children, and at the school and so on," he said.

"There are many children around. Also many of the residents use the playing field area for walking their dogs, so we have got to be worried about the safety both of the people and their pets."

West Kent Police are working closely with the dog warden to try to capture the animal as quickly as possible.

Spokeswoman Anne McCarthy said: "We can confirm reports that a Labrador dog has been killed by a German Shepherd dog.

"Police are investigating in partnership with the dog warden."

Anyone with information is asked to call Brian Milligan on 01732 876181 or Mike Giblin, environmental health officer for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council on 01732 876180.