Loveable pooch Rose was back with her owner today after she was dog-napped by thieves.

Delighted Richard Smith, 47, of London Road, Leigh, had nothing but praise for police officers who helped launch a hunt for the three-year-old pedigree bitch.

Disaster struck as company sales manager Richard took his 85-year-old mum, Phyllis, to a chemist in Leigh Road, Leigh, at 1pm yesterday.

As Phyllis went into the chemist, Richard nipped into a newsagent, leaving Rose on the back seat of his VW Golf cabriolet.

But when Richard came out of the newsagent, he was devastated to discover his car had been stolen - along with Rose.

Richard anxiously sat by the phone at home for five long hours waiting for any news about Rose - until a call came in saying she had been found unharmed in Westcliff Park Drive

He said: "I was just so relieved. She was found lying in middle of the road. The thieves must have just dumped her because they didn't want her. I can get another car but I can't get another dog."

Anyone with information about the stolen Golf, registration L56 LTF, should ring Southend police station's crime management unit on 01702 431212.

Home again - Richard Smith makes a fuss of Rose

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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