A little girl is finally delighted after her dog that was stolen while she played on a swing in her garden has been returned.
Greater Manchester Police launched a social media appeal after a thief stole a four-month-old puppy on Moor Road in Orrell, near Wigan, and then ran away.
The dog, called Dotty, was wearing a flowery collar when the incident happened at around 6.50pm on Saturday.
GMP Wigan West published an appeal on Facebook, hoping that the dog could be returned to the little girl and her family.
It read: "Have you seen this dog? A child was sat in her garden on the swings with her dogs on Moor Road in Orrell at 6.50pm on Saturday.
"A male described as mixed race, believed to be in his 30s wearing a black jumper with 'security' on the front has entered the garden, taken the dog from the child and ran off in an unknown direction.
"The dog is called Dotty and was wearing a flowery collar – the dog is four months old so still very young.
"If you have any knowledge of this theft, or have any sighting of the dog, please contact GMP on 101 and quote log number 2771-22042023."
One Facebook user said: "Despicable!! I hope the little girl is ok and the dog is returned safely."
Another said: "I cannot believe what I am reading. I hope the little girl and the family are ok and their beautiful dog is returned to her family safe and sound."
But in a positive update on Facebook yesterday, the police force confirmed the dog has now been located.
They wrote: "Following on from yesterday's Social Media post regarding the theft of a dog in Orrell we are happy to confirm that the dog has now been located. Many thanks for sharing the post."
A person wrote: "That's great news...well done to everyone that helped get her back home."
One more commented: "So glad to hear this."
