A DOG owner has issued a warning after thieves tried to steal his pet.

English bulldog Tilly was being walked by her owner at Duke’s Mound near to Black Rock, when group of youths working with a van driver, tried to snatch her away.

The man, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “Dog walkers need to know to avoid the area of grass near Duke's Mound.

“I'm seriously worried about anyone walking their dog there who isn't able to defend themselves.

“I'm now in fear of walking my dog anywhere near there.”

Describing the incident on Sunday afternoon, he added: “I was at Duke’s Mound which is very popular with local dog walkers. I take the dog down there every day.

“Three people approached me. They started out quite friendly. They were asking about my dog and her breeding potential.

“Then they started discussing amongst themselves whether she was worth stealing.

“One of them put his hand on her collar and pulled it round towards a guy in a van. They were shouting ‘I’ve got an English bulldog’.

“I pushed the youth away from her and ran away. I just managed to get his hand off her collar and drag her off.

“As soon as I got home I called the police and the council.

“I just really want other dog walkers to be aware of the dangers and watch out.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Would be thieves tried to steal a dog from its owner who was walking with it in Brighton on Sunday.

“The man was approached by a youth by Duke’s Mound around 12 noon who talked to him about the breeding potential of his dog.

“When he explained that his pet had been spayed, the youth appeared to lose interest, but then grabbed the dog's collar and shouted out to the driver of a white van that had pulled up nearby.

“The man pulled his dog away from the youth and headed away from the area. The suspect is described as white, 5ft 9ins, of average build and with short brown hair.”

Anyone who witnessed or has information about the incident or who may have experienced a similar thing themselves is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 756 of 19/10.