A five-month-old puppy who was recovering from surgery to her leg was taken from her home in Maidstone.

Belle, a chocolate labrador, vanished from her home in Bluett Street on Tuesday, between around 10am and 1pm.

She was still on medication for surgery to her hip, and had been due to have her stitches out yesterday. Her fur has not grown back from the operation.

Owner Cathryn Yorke said: "She's such a good puppy.

"I came home on Tuesday and she just wasn't here. We looked everywhere, and asked the neighbours to look too. She had just gone."

However, there was no clue as to how the thieves got in, as there were no signs of forced entry. Police are investigating the case as burglary.

Belle had a bed in the front room, and was able to walk to the kitchen too, but was shut in the house while Miss Yorke had been out.

She said: "We are missing her so much. My children keep asking after her."

Belle is also micro chipped and the company, Pet Log, have been informed, as well as the charity Dog Lost.

If you can help, call police on 101 quoting crime reference YY/1401/15.