The incident happened at around 3.30pm on Friday 23 April 2021 when a man sitting outside Tesco Express on The Quay with his German Shepherd puppy was approached by a man wanting to stroke the dog.

The dog was on a lead, but it is reported that the man bent down and unclipped the lead, before running off with the dog.

The man is described as white, aged in his 20s and wearing a dark-coloured hooded top. He headed 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 23 April 2021 and has not yet spoken to police.”

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.