POLICE are warning dog walkers to be vigilant after two men tried to steal a dog in the New Forest.

Officers say one of them grabbed the dog, a lemon Dalmatian, by the scruff of the neck while it was being walked near Burley.

However, the pair sped off empty-handed after the dog began barking and the owner, a woman in her 20s, started shouting at them.

The two men had been drawing attention to themselves in the area by shouting through a loud-hailer while driving in a red 4x4, thought to have possibly been a Mitsubishi or Toyota.

The incident took place just before 1pm on Friday near the stream at Holmsley Passage.

Now, police have released a description of the two men they want to speak to.

The first is described as white, aged 19 to 20, of small build and with short, dark hair. He was wearing a brown mesh-knit jumper, khaki shorts and bright white socks with a Nike tick on them.

He had a young, clean-shaven face and big brown eyes and bushy eyebrows.

The second man is described as white, aged 25 to 30 and of large build. He was wearing a red t-shirt and had a large round face with a cleft chin and stubble.

PC Lindsay Yates said: “Did you see this vehicle in the Holmsley or Burley area on Friday afternoon? Do you think you know who owns the vehicle or the people who may have been in it?

“I would also ask dog owners to be vigilant when in the area and report any suspicious activity to us immediately.

“Please be mindful of vehicles approaching or stopping near to dogs when they are being walked on or off the lead.”

Anyone with information about the incident is being urged to call police on 101, quoting reference number 44180275956.