Police are warning dog owners to be vigilant after a valuable gundog was stolen from the back of a car.

The black cocker spaniel was locked in a white Range Rover in Church Street, Ticehurst, near Robertsbridge, when thieves smashed the rear window, forced open a security grill and took him.

The dog, named Archie, is micro-chipped but was not wearing a collar.

He also has a tattoo in his ear which reads TC2966.

The theft happened at around 3.30pm on Friday, December 11.

A police spokesman said: "We are advising dog owners to be vigilant and not to leave their animals unattended in situations where they may be vulnerable.

“Dogs should wear a collar and tag with their owners' name and address on it and pedigree gundog owners should have their dog micro-chipped to help prevent theft."

Witnesses, or anyone with information about this incident, are asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting crime reference number ER2-119984-09 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.