A heartbroken family are desperate to be reunited with their puppy, which they fear may have been stolen.

The female Jack Russell terrier, called Woody, was taken from Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne, four days before Christmas.

Woody's owner's niece Andrea Marshall said the "very much-loved five-month-old puppy" was last seen on Wednesday, December 21.

She added: "She was last seen following walkers from the direction of Westfield Cottages along Breach Lane, towards Jasmil Kennels at around midday.

"Several cars and vans stopped to help try and catch her near the junction with Boxted Lane and Holywell Lane and we understand that four young lads and a lady successfully helped to catch her.

"However, they were encouraged to hand her over to two men in a small light-coloured van."

Andrea was told the men in the vehicle said they thought they knew the dog’s owner and would return Woody to them.

She said: "This did not happen so we can only assume they had other intentions for Woody.

"I've been told the descriptions of the two men last seen with Woody.

"Apparently the driver was in his 60s, a larger chap with a round face, olive skin and slightly frizzy hair.

"The passenger was approximately mid-20s, tall and slim, with olive skin, dark hair and a local accent."

Andrea and her uncle are appealing to anyone who knows the four lads who helped catch Woody, or anyone who knows Woody’s whereabouts, to get in touch.

She said: "We desperately want her home as my family is absolutely heartbroken.

"We do not need to know who has Woody or why they wanted her. Perhaps she has been given to someone for Christmas?

"Because she's only five months old it obviously makes it even more heartbreaking.

"We've just had the most awful Christmas, we really have."

Andrea thanked everyone who had helped share the social media posts and supported the Find Woody Facebook group.

You can find the page here.

"Because she's only five months old it obviously makes it even more heartbreaking..."

Andrea finished: "The Dog Lost volunteers, who are part of the UK's largest lost and found dog service, have been fantastic with help and support."

If you know anything or have seen Woody, who is easily identified by her dark panda like eyes, contact Dogs Lost with the ID 181174.

You can also get in touch via the Find Woody Facebook page or through Kent Police with the reference number 46/244970/22 or CIN-104776-22-4600-00.

A police spokesman said: "Police received a report that a dog had been stolen in Breach Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, between 12pm and 12.15pm on 21 December 2022.

"Enquiries on ongoing."