A teenage boy has been arrested after a dog was allegedly stolen at knifepoint.

Essex Police say the robbery took place in High Road, Buckhurst Hill just before 5.30pm on Saturday (June 11).

It was reported to officers that a dog had been snatched after its owner was approached by a group. One of the people in the group was said to have had a knife on them.

No one was hurt and following enquiries, the dog was safely found at around 7pm the same day.

A teenager was detained on suspicion of robbery before being bailed until July 8.

Police Constable Emma Jackson said: “We know the strength of feelings any owner has for their dog and how they want to love and protect them.

“Thankfully the dog has been recovered quickly and is safe and well, but we will continue to investigate.

“We would like anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information that would help our enquiries to contact us.”

Anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage is asked to contact police at https://www.essex.police.uk or calling 101 quoting incident 1001 of June 11.

Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.