The owner of a missing puppy is offering an award for the safe return of her beloved pet.

Natalie Tate, of Woodseer Road in Whitechapel, says she last saw her Irish Blue Staffordshire Terrier in her garden in nearby Deal Street between 12.30pm and 1pm on Friday.

The four-month-old puppy is blue-grey, with white patches on his neck and stomach, and four white “socks”.

Ms Tate said: “I was doing washing and just pottering around the house, really.

“I heard some commotion. I could hear someone saying, ‘Come here! Come here!’.

“After searching the house I realise he’s not in the house, so I ran outside.”

Ms Tate believes her dog may have been stolen and sold to someone locally.

“My dog can’t escape my garden,” she said.

Workmen in Dean Street told Ms Tate they saw a man on a bike with a blue dog on Friday.

Tower Hamlets Police confirmed they were aware of that the dog was reported missing, and said anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference 4218347/14, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If people would rather contact Ms Tate directly they can call 07908 213 436.