Stolen puppy 'Ralph' has been reunited with his owners in Stanford-le-Hope after he was taken during a burglary.

The seven-week-old chocolate and tan Dachshund, named Ralph, was returned by police to his owners last night.

Detectives were contacted at around 10pm on Tuesday by a woman from the Rochford area who had been given the dog and recognised it was missing from social media.

Officers attended and retrieved the puppy which was then returned to the owners.

Police launched an appeal to find the puppy after he was taken when three intruders broke into a house in Thors Oak through an unlocked rear door.

The burglars were disturbed by the victim but took a three-figure sum of cash and Ralph, who is seven weeks old, at about 9.15am on Saturday, February 6.

Police continue to appeal for information regarding the burglary and anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Andrew Marr at Grays CID on 101.