A two-year-old dog was snatched from a teenage boy by a youth who had stolen his mobile phone.

The theft occurred in Hall Gardens, Colney Heath, at just after 9pm last Wednesday, September 10, when the 16-year-old victim was walking along the road with his dog Max, a two-year-old brown and white Shih Tzu crossed with a Cavalier King Charles.

He was approached by a white youth aged around 16 to 17 years old who took his mobile phone. As the assailant tried to get away, he got caught up in the dog lead, picked up Max and ran to a white BMW parked nearby in which there were two other male occupants. They then drove off.

The thief is described as being of of an average build and around 5ft 10ins tall with short shaven dark hair and wearing a dark coloured tracksuit.

Pc Ben Mann, investigating, said: “The family are extremely upset about the theft of their dog and would like to see him returned home safe and well as soon as possible. I would urge anyone with any information about who is responsible for this crime or where the dog may be now to contact me with information immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Mann via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.