Two men who tried to steal a dog from its owner sprayed the man with a burning substance when he refused to hand over his beloved pet.

The incident happened this morning as the animal lover was walking his dog in Boughton Monchelsea.

The dog owner was walking on a footpath off Hubbard's Lane when two men tried to steal his pooch.

When he challenged them and refused to hand over the animal, one of the duo sprayed him and his dog with an unknown substance, which could be an acid or an alkaline. It left the man with burns to his face.

The incident has prompted officers to urge dog owners to be vigilant after the incident happened between 7.30am and 8.30am.

Firefighters, paramedics and police were all called to the scene.

The man was taken to hospital suffering from the effects of the substance and the dog was taken to a vet as a precaution.

The first suspect is in his 40s and of a large build and was wearing a white shirt and jeans.

The second suspect his 30s and slim.

DS Jemma Cropper said: "We are urging dog walkers in the area to be vigilant and are advising them to keep dogs on leads.

"We are also appealing for anyone with information about the incident or who recognises the descriptions of the two men to contact us."

If you saw anything, please call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 19-0357, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.