HUNDREDS of people have joined the search for a family's beloved Italian greyhound after he went missing in a popular area of woodland.

Louie went missing whilst out for a walk in Friday Woods, Colchester, at about 6am on Friday morning.

He has been spotted by two different people in the area around Abberton Reservoir and his owners, Samantha and Rob Baker, who live in Layer-de-la-Haye, now believe he could be in the fields near Birch and Layer Breton.

In a bid to locate him a Facebook group has been set up and now has almost 500 members.

Dozens of people have been out searching for little Louie, who is two-years-old, in Friday Woods and the surrounding areas since his disappearance.

Louie is best friends with the couple's daughter Bea, six, and they are desperate to locate him before the cold weather takes its toll.

Italian greyhound Louie went missing at Friday Woods
  • Italian greyhound Louie went missing at Friday Woods

Samantha said: "It is extremely stressful and I am trying to keep my daughter from getting too upset.

"But the more time goes on the more upset she is getting.

"Our main concern is he will be cold. He is a very fast runner but also a nervous dog and he is tiny.

"It is exhausting. We have been out almost non-stop since Friday morning."

She added: "We need as many people as possible to be aware so they can notify us if they spot anything".

Read more:

Groups of residents have been joining the search for Louie over at Friday Woods and the surrounding areas.

An animal group have also brought over wildlife cameras to set up to see if they can locate him in the area.

Rob said: "We have had so many people looking for him and people help us set up a Facebook group.

"People have helped us put up posters and we have about 100 up so far.

"There have been so many people out over the weekend looking for him."

"The whole community has been amazing."

If you spot Louie or have information which might help, call 07786578539 or 07941410071.

Visit www.facebook.com/groups/815046162382832.