RUMOURS of a dog stealing ring stealing pets for fighting have been dismissed by Essex Police.

Social networking sites were inundated with warnings claiming criminals were leaving coloured string on fencing and gates to identify homes with dogs in Brightlingsea with gangs returning  to steal them.

The claims have been investigated by police who found no evidence of it actually taking place.

Sgt Simon Tattersall, from the Brightlingsea neighbourhood policing team, said: "We are aware of the comments on Facebook but can reassure people in Brightlingsea that we have had no reports of any incidents."