Wild boars have been spotted roaming around a Kent park - sparking a warning to dog walkers.

Sightings of the untamed pigs in Hatch Park, near Ashford, have increased in recent weeks.

As well as being spied in wooded areas, they have been seen in the open expanses of the picturesque Mersham Hatch Estate and near the small visitor car park.

It is not known if the boars have been introduced by managers at the estate, or if they freely roamed into the area.

Nature expert Owen Leyshon, of the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership, says dog walkers should be wary.

"Wild boar get to a large size and are dark hairy and can be an intimidating creature when seen," he said.

"They forage especially in woodland habitats and can cause damage in root crops in arable fields.

"Dog walkers need to be aware of their presence. When in the mating season and when the piglets are small, it will trigger dog attacks by the parent boars if the dogs are running loose.

"But they are not a danger to the public.

"They are shy creatures and tend to forage more at dusk and through the night."

It is thought Kent and Sussex have the highest population of wild boar in England - but they have not been seen in Hatch Park until this month.

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