by James Scott

jscott@thekmgroup.co.uk

A guard dog has been praised for saving the day after scaring off intruders who tried to break into a town centre pub.

Burglars tried to force their way in through the back door of the William Caxton pub, High Street, Tenterden, at 5.20am on Tuesday morning.

But confronted with howling Alaskan malamute puppy Tikki, who resembles a large white wolf, the trespassers were frightened off.

Landlady Debbie Fleet, who was woken up by the 10-month-old dog's barking, said: "I think they tried to come in through the back door, which is where Tikki sleeps.

"She just starting barking and howling so she must've scared them off. She's a big softy really, but she looks very scary.

"There was nothing missing when I came downstairs and no-one was inside. There was just a little bit of damage to the door."

Tikki, who is a favourite with pub regulars, was rewarded for her guard dog duties with a steak for dinner. Miss Fleet said all entrances to the pub are covered by CCTV so footage would be passed to the police.

Officers are also investigating a second break-in which happened at Number 75 dining room and wine bar, also in High Street, at 4.30am that morning.

A police spokesman said two men were seen running from the premises to High Bury Lane and then High Street where a car was heard driving off at high speed.

They are either in their late teens or early 20s, both are of slim build, one is 5ft 11ins and the other slightly shorter.

The shorter man had dark hair, was unshaven and was wearing dark clothing.

The other had short, dark hair in a side parting and was wearing a grey jumper with a dark stripe or square on the front and dark jeans. Both were wearing trainers.

• Any witnesses or anyone with information, is urged to call Kent police on 01622 690690 quoting crime reference FY/13622