Detectives investigating an attempted dog theft which ended with a man being sprayed with a burning substance have released a computer-generated image of a man they would like to speak to.

Kent Police received a call that between 7.30am and 8.30am on Sunday, August 19, that a man was walking along a footpath off Hubbard’s Lane in Boughton Monchelsea when two men tried to steal his dog.

When the victim challenged them, he and the dog were reportedly sprayed with a noxious substance by one of the men.

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

One of the men is white, in his mid 40s, 5' 11" tall, large build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

The second man is also white, in his 30s, 6' tall, slim, and with dark hair.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Celia King said: "We would like to speak to the person shown in the computer generated image.

"I would urge anybody who recognises the man or anyone with information about the incident to call the appeal line."

If you can help, please call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/29857/18.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.