TWO men attempted to steal a much-loved pet dog – as its female owner was out walking it.

The woman was walking near the Oaks in Dalton, near Thirsk, with her Westie cross when two men in a blue van pulled up.

The passenger got out of the van and told the woman to give them her dog. The man then tried to grab the dog which slipped its lead and ran off.

The woman kicked the man and sustained a cut to her wrist as the man tried to get hold of the dog’s lead.

The dog was later found safe in a field nearby and has been reunited with its owner.

The incident happened at about 12.50pm today (December 11), and police are appealing to anyone who can help identify the men or witnessed the incident to contact them.

The van was described as blue, about the size of a post office van with very dirty rear doors and muddy wheels.

The man who spoke to the woman was in his mid-30s with mousy brown hair and spoke with an Eastern European accent. He was wearing muddy lace-up boots, blue jeans and a blue parker style coat with fur around the hood.

Following the incident, the van drove off towards the Jolly Farmer pub.

Anyone with information should ontact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Northallerton CID or email clarie.starkey@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. To remain anonymous pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Are you the dog owner? If you want to tell your story contact newsdesk@nne.co.uk or call 01325-505065.