A loyal dog owner was in shock today after a callous thief snatched her loveable pup, Lennox.

Laura Sanctuary, 31, from North Road, Westcliff, left her six-month-old Staffordshire and Jack Russell crossbreed, Lennox, tied to railings outside her local job centre.

But when she left the building in Tylers Avenue, Southend, just ten minutes later, the pup's unclipped lead hung from the railings - and Lennox was nowhere to be seen.

She said: "I just can't believe this has happened. Why would someone want to steal my puppy?

"I'm worried because he's so young and trustworthy. He's so sweet and people always stop in the street to stroke and pat him." Distraught Laura is not giving up hope. She added: "I don't think anyone would harm him."

Police officers are now searching for missing Lennox, who is ginger-grey in colour and has splayed feet.

Anyone with information should call police on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Distraught - Laura misses her puppy Lennox

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.