NO-ONE will face prosecution after the reported theft of Cookie the Cockapoo.

In September Dorset Police appealed for information after the dog was taken from a van in West Parley while its owner was working nearby.

A subsequent online appeal followed, which included support from AFC Bournemouth legend Marc Pugh and Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle.

Days later Cookie was reunited with owner Alan Butler – and police confirmed two men had been arrested on suspicion of theft and were helping with their enquiries.

Now police say the two men arrested, a 32-year-old from Poole and a 36-year-old from Wimborne, have been released from the investigation and will face no further police action.

Speaking to the Echo after the online appeal was shared by 350,000 people and Cookie was returned, Alan said: "There are so many nice people out there.

“You do fear the worst. It was the not knowing that was the hardest part of it.

“I have got five grandchildren, two daughters, everyone hasn’t stopped on social media, leafleting and putting posters up.

“I drove 287 miles just putting posters out with my grandson. Everybody has just done all they can. We are absolutely amazed.

“Police have done an amazing job supporting us. Until you need them you don’t actually realise what they do.

"Everyone knocks them but what they do has blown me away.”

Cookie, who was in an unlocked Volkswagen Transporter van parked at the corner of New Road and Longfield Drive disappeared on Friday, September 18.

Cookie was returned to Alan on September 21, three days later.

Alan said: "I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we are to everybody that has done anything.

“It could be just one person that text another person.