SHOCKED dog rehoming centre staff have made an urgent appeal after a young dog was stolen on Thursday afternoon.

Staff at Dogs Trust Evesham, based at Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, are concerned about lurcher Luna's welfare after she was snatched by thieves.

Thieves created a diversion to distract staff and made off with the one-year-old lurcher at about 1:30pm.

Shauna Steadman, Dogs Trust Evesham supporter relations officer, said: "We are shocked that anyone could do something so despicable and are very concerned about Luna’s safety.

"She is a gentle natured girl but is very nervous and likely to be extremely frightened and confused so we are desperate to find her as soon as possible.

"Luna is a very striking long legged, black Lurcher made quite distinctive by the white blaze on her chest and she is microchipped.”

Anyone who has any information should call Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830 613 or contact the police on 101 and quote the incident number 3495200214.