POLICE have released a description of a man they believe to be responsible for the theft of a German Shepherd puppy from Poole Quay.

On Friday, April 23, a man bent down and unclipped a German Shepherd puppy from its lead outside Tesco Express on The Quay before running off with the dog in Poole.

Police are investigating the theft which occurred at around 3.30pm and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The man is described as white and aged in his 20s, he was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top and he left the scene in the direction of Baiter Park.

The puppy is described as three months old, all black and is called Bear.

Police Community Support Investigator Steve Willis, of Dorset Police, said: “This has been an extremely upsetting time for Bear’s owners and we are carrying out a number of enquiries to try and reunite them with their dog.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen Bear, or has information about his whereabouts, to please contact Dorset Police

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident on Friday, April 23, and has not yet spoken to police.”

After the incident, owner Marie Smith issued a plea for her puppy’s safe return.

She said she was exiting Tesco while her husband Andrew took care of Bear.

Marie said: "You never expect anything like this to happen to you.

"If anyone has any information, please contact Dorset Police. We would be very grateful and would do anything to get him back if we can.

"There will be a reward for Bear's return."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210063706.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.