A three-legged dog has been stolen from a busy shopping street.

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier, called Harmony, was taken from outside Tesco Metro in St Peter's Street, St Albans, yesterday.

The owner left the dog tied up outside the shop between 4pm and 4.30pm and when he returned Harmony was gone.

Harmony has been described as small, white and is missing her back left leg.

Harmony was rescued by her owner Colin French more than six years ago. Mr French's sister, Katie Corley put out a plea on social media in the hope they can be reunited with Harmony.

Katie wrote that her brother is "heartbroken" by what has happened.

Posts have been shared thousands of times.

It was suggested on social media that a woman who was outside the shop holding a banner is linked to Harmony's disappearance.

There have been conflicting reports on where the woman may have gone but a number of people have said they spotted the woman and dog together later in St Albans.

They are believed to be in the Hertfordshire area still.

Police are asking anyone who has information to contact them. You can report online at herts.police.uk/report or call the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 41/82234/19.

Alternatively you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.