A pet owner is appealing for information after her seven ferrets were stolen last night.

Jessica Swadling was left devastated after finding five adult ferrets and two babies were taken from the communal garden she shares in Lower Fant Road, Maidstone.

She said the animals - Cinder, Rapunzel, Maui, Sookie, Dexter, Otis and Moana - were much loved by friends and neighbours, especially children.

"The kids are going to be devastated when we tell them," she said. "They're just great fun, they give me hours of enjoyment watching them, and everyone loves them.

"We're able to raise awareness to show how they should be kept and that they make good pets."

Jessica said she last saw the ferrets at 10pm last night, and realised they were gone at around 8am this morning.

"I was shocked, upset and devastated," she added. "I've no idea who took them but it's got to be someone that knows us or has been watching the garden.

'The kids are going to be devastated when we tell them...'

"They used the keys we kept hidden in the shed to unlock padlocks to get them out."

A spokesman from the police said: "I can confirm a theft of ferrets has been reported to police from a garden in Lower Fant Road.

"The theft is believed to have happened overnight between 28 and 29 August. Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/168823/22."

You can also contact Jessica on 07843970207 or email Jessicaswadling88@gmail.com