A BELOVED German Shepherd has been stolen along with the van she was inside.

Indie was waiting in a red Fiat Diablo swiped from Cumberland Road, Brighton, while her owner worked nearby.

The nine-year-old's owner, painter and decorator Neil Edmonson, said he was desperate to find her following the theft this morning (Tuesday February 9) at some point between 10.15am and 10.30am.

The 54-year-old told The Argus: "I came out to get something out of my van and it was not there. I am very worried."

He said he had parked his van, registration number AK05DZZ, in Cumberland Road near Preston Road, on the left hand side of the road facing downhill.

He added it contained a few tools and the thief probably did not know nine-year-old Indie (pictured) was in the back.

Indie is described as very placid.

She was wearing a black collar with no identity disc but is micro-chipped.

Police have searched and circulated the description of the van and Indie.

PC Richard Jackson said; "Indie's owner is very upset and worried about her."

He appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Contact police on 101 or 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 440 of 09/02.