DETECTIVES have released an E-fit of a man wanted in connection with an attempted dog theft.

Police are investigating the attempted theft in Dalton, near Thirsk, when a woman was walking near the Oaks with her dog when a blue van containing two men pulled up.

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

Police said the woman kicked the man and sustained a cut to her wrist as the he tried to get hold of the dog’s lead. The dog was later found safe in a field nearby and has been reunited with the victim.

The van, described as blue, about the size of a post office van with very dirty rear doors and muddy wheels, drove off towards the Jolly Farmer pub. A police spokeswoman said the man who spoke to the woman - depicted in the e-fit - was in his mid 30s 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.

The driver of the van had dark hair and a dark complexion.

Anyone who can identify the man or has information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.