A pet owner is “distraught” after her four-year-old dog Ted was stolen outside a supermarket on Saturday.

Philomena Hynes of North Finchley tied Ted, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to a railing outside Tesco Express in Friern Barnet Lane, New Southgate, while she bought groceries at 4.25pm.

Mrs Hynes said: “I was only in the shop for about three minutes. When I got to the counter I turned around to say to Ted, don’t worry mummy’s coming, but he wasn’t there.

“The lead was still tied to the railing but there was no Ted. I was completely distraught."

Mrs Haynes searched the area but found no sign of her dog, which she has had since he was just nine weeks old.

She said: “It was terrible to have to go home without him. He’s my life. My little Ted is my companion, he goes everywhere with me.”

Ted is a sandy colour and is described as a " very friendly”and well known in the local area. He wears a black leather collar with small diamante studs. 

Mrs Haynes, who volunteers in the North London Hospice store in Finchley High Road, has put up more than 24 posters offering a £500 reward for Ted’s safe return.

She said: “I just want him back. I’m devastated and so upset.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.