A WOMAN is distraught after losing her dog while she took it for a walk in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough.

Bev Brown, of Wheatlands Park, Redcar, lost the black Scottie, called Molly, on Wednesday and believes it may have been stolen.

She said: "We are demented. She's a lovely, friendly dog. We just can't get on with our lives. My two grandchildren are distraught.

"I have phoned every vetinerary surgery in the area, the police, the pounds, dog wardens, everywhere."

She said she had heard that people had been stealing dogs such as hers to sell.

But a spokesman for the council said: "Distressing as it is for the lady who has lost her dog, there is absolutely no evidence, either from the park staff, who have checked their records, of from our own dog warden service that there is any pattern.

"There is nothing to suggest there is organised crime going on. We would advise dog owners to get their dogs microchipped."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police also said that no reports of dogs being stolen had been received by the force in the area.

Molly was last seen wearing a red tartan collar. Ms Brown said she was offering a reward for information about her lost pet. The pedigree animal is valued at £400.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 480410.