POLICE are searching for a dog suspected of being stolen in north Dorset.

Officers are appealing for help from the public to locate a dog suspected of being stolen in rural Gillingham.

It is reported that a member of the public spoke to a man who claimed to have found a dog in the area at around 10pm on Sunday, September 10.

The man was directed to the address of the dog’s rightful owner.

However, the owner later reported that the dog was not returned to him.

Dorset Police would like to speak to a man described as white, of large build and aged in his mid-30s who may have knowledge of the dog’s whereabouts.

The dog is described as a five-year-old German shepherd with brown and black fur and is called Jessie.

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “This has been an extremely upsetting time for Jessie’s owner and we are carrying out a number of enquiries to try and reunite him with the dog.

“I would like to speak to the man who claimed to have found the dog and I would appeal to him to come forward and aid us with our investigation.

“The owner has agreed to release an image of Jessie and I am appealing to anyone who may have seen her, or have information of her whereabouts, to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230146144.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.