A young dog has been snatched by thieves from a van while her owner was working just a few feet away.

Carpenter Neil O'Sullivan was doing some tree surgery as a favour for a friend when the five-month-old Jack Russell bitch, called Molly, was snatched.

Although the van was parked just the other side of a wood-panelled fence, Neil, 21, who was working with a chainsaw and wearing ear protectors, never heard a thing.

Taking a break, he returned to the van to find the pup gone, along with electrical tools and his wallet containing £150 cash.

Now he is offering a "substantial" cash reward for the return of his pet, which he bought for £100 just weeks ago.

Neil, who lives with his parents in Brinkfield Road, Chalgrove, had begun training her, and later hoped to breed pups from her.

He said: "I'm absolutely gutted. They've taken my pet and my livelihood. I can't see a common thief taking her like that. I reckon she was taken by travellers who must have spotted her and realised her potential value."

Neil described Molly as unusual, being black and white rather than having the usual Jack Russell tri-colour coat with a full tail curling up over her back.

Anyone who finds Molly, or knows the wheabouts of a dog like her, is asked to call Neil on 01865 890463 or 07808 742365.