A video posted on social media shows the shocking moment a group of children make off with a bar's mascot.

Three young boys ride up to Lashings Bar, Maidstone, and sit looking at the cuddly toys outside.

One of them then reaches through the bars of the decking area of the Upper Stone Street Bar, and grabs the leg of a toy monkey.

VIDEO: Kids steal toy monkey from outside Lashings Bar

He makes off with it on his bike.

Michael Swan, who runs social media for the bar, posted the video on his Facebook page to try to find the boys yesterday evening.

The post was shared more than 40 times on social media by concerned locals.

He told the Kent Messenger: "Lashings is a family friendly bar and strives to be unique in that aspect.

"The stuffed animals give the premises a more unique feel, along with our decor inside the venue."

Mr Swan also confirmed that the monkey was later reunited with its furry friends after a car pulled up outside the bar and left it outside before driving off.