A DOG owner has been reunited with his 'soulmate' after it was reported stolen from an Oxfordshire farm more than two weeks ago.

Cocker spaniel Dougal went missing from the farm close to Finmere Quarry, near Bicester, on January 24.

The pup was the subject of a huge community campaign to help find him. He was reunited with owner Martyn Crowden yesterday.

The circumstances of Dougal's return are unclear, though it has been claimed on social media that a sum of money was paid for the dog's return.

In a post on Facebook Mr Crowden said: "I have got my boy back, thank you people - thank you so much."

Alongside a picture of Dougal curled up at home, he continued: "Thank you with all our love. I don't know what else to say, couldn't have done it without you all."

The Oxford Mail has contacted Mr Crowden for information about the circumstances of his return.

The 47-year-old owner said he had been at work when Dougal went missing and returned to find the dog and his lead missing from the farm where he had been lodging.

At the time he said: "He sleeps in the same room as me, we do everything together, he's my soulmate."

In an emotional plea on Facebook for Dougal's return, he added: "It's been two weeks today, and it feels like two years.

"I feel so empty without you by my side."

In the weeks since Dougal went missing, more than £1,400 has been raised via a Gofundme page to support the search, as well as 6,725 members joining the Please Find Stolen Dougal Facebook page.

A video was posted on Saturday evening of the moment Martyn and Dougal were reunited and has already attracted 1,980 shares, 5,800 likes and almost 300 comments.