Thieves have stolen 10 red canaries from a Medway aviary - and now their babies have died.

Police say the birds, worth about £500, were taken from the back garden of a property in Aylesford Crescent, Gillingham.

They were last seen by their owner when she fed them early on Thursday, April 14, but when she returned to the aviary the next morning, the birds were missing and a further seven were found dead at the bottom of the cage.

PC Debbie Trowell said: "This incident has been extremely upsetting for the owner who has lost 17 of her birds.

"It is thought that they have been stolen to be sold on as the 10 canaries are worth in the region of £500.

"It may be that someone was seen in the area acting suspiciously or perhaps someone has been approached about the possibility of buying the canaries and therefore we are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to contact us as a priority.

"Although this is the first incident of its kind this year in Medway, we would urge anyone with an aviary or cage on their property to ensure it is locked and secure and that it is regularly checked to help prevent becoming a victim of crime."

Anyone with information should phone police on 01634 792 521 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.