Police have released a photo of this “beloved” pet dog that was stolen during a burglary in St Albans on Wednesday.

The theft happened between 9pm on Wednesday, March 5 and 10.30am the following day at an address in Dellfield.

The criminals entered the rear garden and forcibly removed the dog, which is a two-and-a half-year-old male Jack Russell, that was in a shed at the time.

Pc Lee Gough, who is investigating the incident, said: “The owner of the dog has been left devastated by the theft of their beloved pet and I would urge anyone who knows of the dog’s location, or has been offered it for sale, to contact me immediately.

“I would ask anyone who remembers seeing anything unusual or suspicious around the stated times to also contact me as it’s possible you may have information that can assist the investigation and reunite the dog with its rightful owner.”

Anyone with information should contact the non-emergency number 101, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.