A FAMILY has spoken of their relief after they were reunited with their beloved dog they thought had been stolen.

It is believed French Bulldog Arthur was taken after escaping from his home in Bedford Road, Laindon, on Wednesday night.

Luckily after a few nights away from home the pooch, who was unwell and on medication, was reunited with his family over the weekend.

His owners believed he was taken by a woman and given to a group of teenage boys.

Owner Andrea Cartwright, 46, said: “I had let him out at about 11.30pm and he managed to get out of the back gate.

“A neighbour told me she saw a woman in her fifties with black hair take him to the Laindon Centre and give him to a group of six boys.

“I went to the Laindon Centre and put up as many posters as I could.

“He is ill and has had a few operations to help with breathing problems and has had a heart attack.

“I was worried he had been stolen to be bred but he is too big to breed as he weighs about 17kg.

“We were just so distraught, he is three-years-old and we have had him since he was about eight-weeks-old.”

Andrea said she had been scouring the streets in an attempt to find him and was concerned she may never see her pet again.

But in a twist of fate, Arthur was suddenly returned home.

While the family celebrated the return of Arthur, they had become concerned about 11-year-old dog called Poppy who was also believed to have been stolen.

Arthur’s owner Jim Calder said: “I cannot put into words how wonderful it is to have Arthur home but my thoughts of course go out to those still searching for their dogs including Poppy in Wickford who was also stolen.

“I can understand first-hand how utterly devastating an experience it is and hope all those who helped find Arthur including the police will turn their attention now to getting Poppy back home where she belongs.”

Essex Police confirmed Arthur’s disappearance had been reported to them on Thursday and it was investigating.

Anyone with information should visit www.essex.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.