AN ADORABLE cocker spaniel who was snatched from her owners by thieves has been returned home by police.

Willow was one of ten dogs seized by Sussex Police as officers raided a site in Surrey on March 16.

The much-cherished pet had not been seen for eight months after she was taken during a burglary in Suffolk in July last year.

But on Wednesday, her owners' prayers came true as they were able to travel to Sussex to be reunited with their prized pooch.

One of her owners, who asked not to be identified, said: "We are so delighted to have Willow back home and can’t thank Sussex Police enough for finding her.

"After eight months we thought we would never see her again, and we hope it will give other dog owners faith that they can be found and this is taken seriously"

The police raid in Surrey came as part of a complex and ongoing investigation by detectives at Crawley's criminal investigation department (CID), who have worked closely with the Sussex Police rural crime team in their pursuit of stolen dogs from the county.

The force has received hundreds of pleas from members of the public desperately searching for their missing pets.

Officers are now working to reunite the remaining nine dogs, a mix of lurchers and spaniels, retrieved during the raid with their families. For now, they continue to be cared for at a secure location.

Detective Chief Inspector John Wallace of Crawley CID said: "We are delighted that Willow has been reunited with her owners and is now back home safe where she belongs.

"Following the recovery of Willow, Suffolk Police are looking to explore developments in the burglary investigation and are working closely with Sussex Police to assist us with our ongoing investigation.

"This is a complex and, likely, lengthy investigation. Our priority has been to ensure the health and welfare of the dogs - some were in a poor state when we found them and are receiving ongoing medical care which also forms part of our investigation.

“We are working through all information meticulously and pursuing other lines of enquiry to progress the identification of those dogs. We will be releasing further information in the coming days to help with that process

“We understand this can be frustrating and appreciate people’s patience knowing that all the dogs are being well cared for.”

The raid in Surrey was led by Crawley CID with support from the Sussex rural crime team and Surrey Police.

A 30-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods has been released under investigation pending further enquiries. The location of the site is not being disclosed for operational reasons.

In January, Sussex Police launched a dedicated operation called Operation Collar to respond to and help prevent dog thefts.

Anyone with information about their suspected stolen dog is asked to email dogtheft@sussex.pnn.police.uk .