A pregnant mum and her daughter have been left “traumatised” after an intruder forced his way into their house and stole one of their dogs.
Shay Hill opened her front door at around 8pm last night before being shoved out of the way by a man.
CCTV footage appears to show three hooded men fleeing the scene in Kiln Way, Halling and getting into a car, with one carrying away the family’s beloved pet French bulldog Luna.
Shay told KentOnline: “It all happened so quickly, my husband had just popped out and was only going to be 10 minutes.
“He’d only been gone for five minutes so when there was a knock at the door I just assumed it was him and he’d forgotten the key.
“But I opened the door and a man forced his way in. He pushed past me and just barged through.
“I just screamed and screamed that my eight-year-old daughter was in the house, and the man picked up the dog and ran out the door.”
Shay has had two-year-old French bulldog Luna since she was born and also owns her mum Rosie, who is five.
She explained: “I closed the door when he left and then opened it again, all of my neighbours were already outside. Rosie ran out as well.
“My other neighbour grabbed Rosie, the neighbours were so good they came out so quickly.”
The mum, who is currently seven months pregnant, said: “I feel like it was targeted.
“The dogs are quite well known and my husband takes them out three times a day and it happened around the usual dog walking time.
“I do feel like they knew the dogs were there, the man instantly went for the dog and ran.
“I haven’t even processed the other elements of last night and how scary it was.
“My daughter is extremely traumatised and we can’t help her heal from what’s happened unless the dog is returned to her.”
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.
A spokesman for the force said: “We are investigating following a report that a dog was stolen during an attempted burglary at Halling.
“The occupant answered a knock at their door and their French bulldog ran from the house when a man allegedly tried to get into the premises.
“The suspect then left the scene with two other men and the victim’s dog.”
Kent has the second highest number of dog thefts in the UK, according to new research with 177 taken last year.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police, or anyone with information that may assist, is urged to call the appeal line on 01634 792209, quoting crime reference 46/214253/23.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on its website.
