Three people have been charged for the theft of two beloved springer spaniels earlier this year.

Percy and Stan were stolen from a property off Park Farm Road in Birling in January.

Police safely recovered the dogs and returned them to their owners, and have now charged three residents of Bow Road, Wateringbury over their theft.

Amos Beaney, 26, is charged with the theft of the two dogs, and also with handling stolen goods, relating to a separate reported theft of lead flashing from a commercial address in Staplehurst in February.

Stephen Spain, 29, has been charged with handling stolen goods, namely one of the dogs, Percy. He is also charged with handling the stolen lead flashing.

Lillie Eastwood, 48, is charged with handling stolen goods, namely the other dog, Stan.

They are all due to appear at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, June 20.