A DOG that was stolen from a van in East Dorset has been reunited with its owners following a public appeal.

Officers investigating reports of Cookie the Cockapoo being taken in West Parley say two men have been arrested.

On the morning of Friday, September 18, the dog’s owner was cutting the grass at an address on Longfield Drive while Cookie was in an unlocked Volkswagen Transporter van, which was parked on the corner of New Road and Longfield Drive. At around midday they discovered Cookie was missing.

Dorset Police appeal for assistance in finding dog Cookie It is reported that Cookie, a young adult beige Cockapoo, was seen on CCTV at around 11.50am getting out of the van and walking toward someone who was hidden from view.

As a result of police enquiries, a 32-year-old man from Poole and a 36-year-old man from Wimborne have been arrested on suspicion of theft and are assisting officers with their enquiries.

As reported, the Ferndown family who own Cookie said they were "desperate" for the dog to return.

Family fear Cockerpoo was stolen Owner Alan Butler said an appeal on Facebook was shared by more than 1,500 people in 24 hours.