The search is on to find a beloved French Bulldog that was allegedly stolen from St Albans.

The one-year-old black and white dog managed to leave his home in Worely Road on Thursday (13).

It’s alleged the dog was found and between 3pm and 4pm, taken to an address in Potters Bar where it was believed his owner lived.

After enquiries at this address by police, the dog, named Gordon, could not be accounted for.

Owner Maddie Odell, 18, said herself and partner Amir Hezareh, who owns More Than Nutrition on Catherine Street, are so worried.

She said: “It’s not just me that’s being affected, we have a four year old and a seven year old who live here who are devastated.

“Our other dog, a British Bulldog, hasn’t eaten since Gordon went missing. It’s like I’ve lost two dogs because all he does is look out the window and cry. He won’t go on walks and now I’m faced with him becoming seriously ill.”

She added that people shouldn’t be scared to come forward with information or give the dog back.

Maddie said: “We have offered to pay, we have offered rewards. People can return him secretly if need be, we just want him home.”

Maddie also warned other dog owners about not checking the microchips of their pets after it was revealed Gordon’s microchip gave the address of an owner of another dog in his litter.

She said: “If there’s one message I want to get out there it’s that people should check their dog’s microchips are up to date.

“People don’t realise this happens quite often and dogs aren’t returned home because of it.”

PC Clare Lapenna is investigating the incident and said: “Understandably the owners of Gordon are distressed by the loss of their pet and want to be reunited with him as quickly as possible.

“I would ask anyone with any information about this incident or the possible whereabouts of Gordon to contact me as soon as possible.”

A 55-year-old woman from Potters Bar has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. She has been released on police bail until September 30.

A 53-year-old man from Potters Bar has been arrested on suspicion of theft and has been released on police bail until September 30.

Anyone with information should call the police on the non-emergency number 101.