HEARTS have broken after a much-loved English springer spaniel is thought to have been stolen from the back of a 4x4 pick up truck parked at a livestock market on Saturday.

Devastated Fiona Jones desperately hopes that by making seven-year-old Bella "too hot to handle" she will be returned after she went missing from a vehicle parked at McCartneys, Nunnery Way, Worcester on Saturday.

Mrs Jones had been looking after the bitch, who is spayed and microchipped, for her friend Jenny Clarke and left it with her four dogs while she visited a sheep sale.

The pick-up's tailgate was locked and aluminium Ifor Williams canopy was bolted from inside leading Mrs Jones to believe at least two people were involved in taking the dog.

Bella, who has one swollen teat, was wearing a red collar with five telephone numbers when she was taken at some point between 10.35am and 12.20pm.

Clearly upset, Mrs Jones said: "I've been sent into a spin about it all.

"Bella is my friend's dog and I had her to stay for a few days.

"I always walk the dogs across the paddocks then put them back in the pick up.

"We went to see the sheep and lambs then went to the canteen for some breakfast.

"One of the first things I always do when I go back to the car is go to the back and say "Hello boys and girls how are you getting on?"

"I opened the tailboard and when I looked in there were only four dogs and I thought "Heavens what's happened?" and then I began to panic that I hadn't put her in."

However, Mrs Jones recalls picking her up and putting her into the vehicle and desperately searched the cattle market and canteen but to no avail.

Returning to the truck, she discovered the bolts had been undone on the mesh which is when she realised the dog had been stolen.

Mrs Jones said while her friend has been incredibly understanding about the theft, she had been left devastated and they are throwing everything into getting the dog returned.

"I can't talk properly, I'm trying to keep it together but I'm not doing very well - especially as it's not my dog."

Pictures and a description of Bella have been shared hundreds of times on Facebook as well as on lost and found websites and there will also be posters and flyers handed out in Worcester shops.

"I think Facebook has been fantastic because it is getting everywhere.

"We're hoping with all the coverage they will feel she is too hot to handle and won't be able to sell her and it's too dangerous to keep her around so they will just drop her.

"They are scum - I'd prefer if they just took her back to the market on Wednesday when I am going and leave her tied to one of the saplings there but I don't think they will do that.

"My four dogs are very traumatised. My Collie is very, very protective of the pick up and and I would think she would have gone hammers and tongs on them.

"The other three aren't their normal selves either."

Anyone who finds the dogs or has any information should call 07831 269 618, 07988 714 910 or the non-emergency police number 101 quoting reference number 318S160515.