A dog has been stolen from its owner in broad daylight while out for a walk in a popular County Durham park, as police are appealing for information about the beloved pet.

Officers from Durham Police are currently appealing for help in tracking down witnesses after the pooch was taken on Friday (July 29).

According to the police force, the dog owner was walking through West Park in Newton Aycliffe, near the footbridge to Honister Place, at around 4.30pm, when their dog Dexter was stolen.

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Dexter, who is a black dog, is the family’s beloved pet – with officers now urgently appealing for any help to reunite the family with their treasured companion.

The Northern Echo: The location where Dexter was taken. Picture: DURHAM POLICEThe location where Dexter was taken. Picture: DURHAM POLICE

The suspect of the dog theft is described as a local, white male, who is skinny build in his 30s and had a beard and was accompanied by two females in their 20s.

The Northern Echo: Dexter the dog. Picture: DURHAM POLICEDexter the dog. Picture: DURHAM POLICE

He may have left Honister Place in a white van immediately after the incident.

If you have any information regarding this crime, or the location of Dexter, contact PC 9164 Hinde, quoting crime reference CRI00415367 via email at Richard.hinde@durham.police.uk or 1

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