Officers are appealing for the public’s help to trace a dog that was stolen on Christmas Eve.

Sky the Staffordshire Bull Terrier escaped from her home in Park Lane, Waltham Cross, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm heading towards Tuneright Motors on Tuesday, December 24.

A man was then seen to coax Sky into his car, a black Volkswagen Golf.

A woman who recognised Sky attempted to intervene and a verbal altercation ensued before the offender shoved her and drove away with Sky.

The offender is described as being in his early twenties, with blond hair and was wearing a cap.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Sky's owners are desperate to find her after she disappeared from her home on Christmas Eve

PC Emma Adams, who is investigating, said: “Sky’s owners are absolutely devastated and are on tenterhooks waiting for any bit of information that might help to find Sky.

“We have been carrying out extensive enquiries and I am now appealing for anyone who has seen Sky, or perhaps been offered her for sale to get in touch and let us know.

“Sky is described as just under one metre tall and of a slim build. Her colour is blue but she appears as a brown colour.

“She is currently losing hair on her chest and behind both of her ears which gives these areas a lighter appearance. She has a scratch on the back of her right ear.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw Sky get stolen, including those who might have captured what happened on camera.

“You could have vital information that will help us find her.”

If you have any information about Sky, please call the Herts Police number 101 quoting crime reference 41/115435/19.