A model train worth £8,000 has been snatched by a thief from a shop display.

The model vintage traction engine weighs 12kg and was taken from the shop in Staplehurst on Wednesday, September 18.

It's thought to have been taken at around 3.45pm that day, although the owners of the Maxitrak store in Lodge Road didn't realise it was missing until two days later.

CCTV has since been seen, which appears to show a man enter the shop and grab the traction engine from the top part of the display.

The model is of a Burrell Showman’s style engine, with the words ‘Probyn Amusements Maidstone’ written across the top. It is 21ins long, 8ins wide and 12ins tall.

The suspect is said to be a white man, aged between 18 and 32. He was wearing a navy blue hoodie with the hood up, with an emblem on the left breast, as well as jeans and white trainers.

DC Lynne Mercer from Kent Police’s reactive crime team at Maidstone Police Station said: "No car was seen at the time, but given the size and weight of the model, it is suspected he would have left the area in a vehicle."

Anyone with information can contact DC Mercer on 01622 604271 quoting crime number YY/18855/13.