PET owners have been urged to take care after an attempted theft of a dog near Selby.

A 35-year-old woman was walking her pedigree Golden Labrador on a bridleway between Brayton and Thorpe Gates, Selby, at about 6.45pm on Saturday, when a man tried to steal it.

The man, who was white, stocky or fat, with cropped blond hair and a local accent, is believed to be in his thirties, and between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall, and grabbed the dog by the scruff of its neck and lead.

The woman fell to the ground and managed to send her dog home, then ran home herself.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the man was wearing a black or dark navy bomber jacket and very scruffy denim jeans tucked into rigger boots, and had a white Staffy dog with him.

Dog owners have been urged to microchip their pets, and ensure it wears a collar and is kept on a lead. If dogs are kept outside, owners should ensure they are fully secure.

Anyone who saw the man, or has information which could assist police should phone 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.