Hunt for Buddy the Chihuahua after fears he has been stolen in Northampton

Stuart Heasman was walking his black and white pooch, Buddy, along Wellingborough Road on Saturday (February 21), heading towards the town centre.

The one-year-old Chihuahua wriggled out of his collar when he spotted a cat, and ran off towards Billing Road.

Northamptonshire Police have confirmed the force is now investigating whether the dog has been stolen.

On Tuesday (February 25) officers received a report that someone had contacted the owner to say they had seen a man on a mobility scooter trying to sell a dog that fits the description outside Northampton General Hospital.

Karen May, who runs a missing pet social media page, is one of the good-hearted volunteers helping Stuart hunt for his beloved dog who has been microchipped.

She said: "The owner is very distraught and suffers from mental health issues.

"Buddy was his emotional support dog, he was his best buddy.

"He moved into a flat with him, and Buddy was his company and he is lost without him, we think he is on a downward spiral."

If you have seen Buddy, who was wearing a collar with little gold crowns on when he went missing, please get in touch by calling the team searching for him on 07498556477.