A dog owner has been warned to keep her Alsatians under control following claims the dogs "terrorised" walkers after escaping from her garden.

Several people have reported being "mobbed" by the pack of large dogs as they ran unsupervised around Duncan Down in Whitstable just off the Old Thanet Way.

Warden for the area Cllr Ashley Clark said he spoke to five witnesses who were "in fear and intimidated" by the animals.

He said: "They have described a pack of Alsatians that have been running around terrifying people.

"They’re just being mobbed by these dogs. And some of those people have been walking with children, so it could be very scary.

"We will not tolerate irresponsible dog ownership. We are taking this seriously, and we are acting as necessary."

Maria Voysey, who owns the Alsatians, was quick to apologise to all those who had felt intimidated.

"I honestly didn't realise my dogs had caused so much havoc and upset on the downs," she said.

"And for that I am more sorry than you will know."

Mrs Voysey’s four dogs are said to have escaped her garden, which is near the downs, through a hole foxes had made in the wire fence.

The 57-year-old said she had struggled to repair it after her husband fell ill.

She continued: "I tried really hard to sort it out but couldn't, and after my husband's stroke two weeks ago he can barely walk, let alone do fencing."

Mrs Voysey owns two full-grown Alsatians - also known as German shepherds - and two seven-month-old puppies that are of a mixed Alsatian breed.

Council spokesman Rob Davies said: “We have been investigating reports of Alsatian dogs roaming loose on Duncan Down and have taken four witness statements on the matter.

"That resulted in us writing to the occupant of a property close to the site, using legislation in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, requesting they desist from allowing dogs to escape the property and that they take steps to secure the property.

"If this request is not complied with, we will then consider what further action to take.

"There are various pieces of legislation open to us.

"Council enforcement officers will be carrying out a follow-up visit to the property to see what action has been taken and to advise the owner that we will continue to monitor the situation closely."

Mrs Voysey confirmed steps had been taken to ensure the dogs cannot escape again.

She said: "My garden is now secure so the puppies can't get out and I won't be walking them on the downs any more, either on or off leads.

"There is additional wooden fencing and above that, chicken wire, so it is properly secured."