The distraught owner of a 14-week-old puppy that might have been stolen is appealing for information.

Dixie, a Staffordshire bull terrier cross, went missing from her home in Franklin Road, Gillingham, on October 17.

She escaped from the garden with the family's other dog, Patch, between noon and 1.30pm.

Patch was found by a woman working in a florists in Gillingham Road, but Dixie disappeared. It is thought she might have been picked up by a couple in a dark Citroen car who said they would return the dog to its owner and then drove off.

Dixie's owner, who did not want to be named, said: "We're devastated. We may have only had her for a few weeks, but Dixie was a big part of our family.

"My children have been in tears. How do you explain to a six-year-old and an eight-year-old why someone would take your dog and not return it? And our other dog Patch is pining for her."

Kent Police is investigating the possible theft.

PC Sally Haughton said: "Initial inquiries suggest the dog escaped from a property in Franklin Road and then may have been taken.

"I am particularly keen to speak with two women who were driving a dark-coloured Citroen car at the bottom of Napier Road at the time the dog escaped as they may have vital information that could help with our enquiries."

Dixie is brown and black and was wearing a pink collar.

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 01634 792521, quoting crime reference DY/15227/11.