A DOG that a family believed was 'stolen' from outside their home has now been returned.

Lucy Russell, from Heythrop near Chipping Norton, and her three children were devastated after discovering their dog, Minnie, was missing on Sunday afternoon.

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The pet is owned by Ms Russell's mother who had been visiting the family for lunch and had brought Minnie along with her.

Ms Russell let the dog out and although it cannot be seen on her CCTV, she believed thieves took Minnie from outside the front gate.

Police said it was 'unknown' whether the dog had indeed been taken.

Minnie was returned late last night to the family.