A Rainham family are renewing calls to help find their beloved French bulldog Winnie following her disappearance earlier this year.

Owners Henry Griggs and girlfriend Alex Marshall believe Winnie was taken from their garden in Longley Road in January - and hopes were raised last month following a reported sighting of dog that matched her description.

Sadly police checks proved the dog was not Winnie, but the couple are continuing to press forward with the search.

They've also been assisted by friend Heidi Marie Grant who has posted updates online and set up a new Facebook group "Stolen Winnie ME8".

She wrote: "Winnie Update‼️ I’m sorry to say that we haven’t located Winnie. The police have attended and they’ve checked the chip and papers and it’s not Winnie. They said it is a very similar dog.

"We are feeling quite deflated now as this was the closest we have ever got to a lead. The family and I remain broken hearted and I know many of you will be too. Thank you for your ongoing support Rainham, you’ve been amazing. Hold on to your fur babies, kept them close, we wouldn’t want anyone else to go through this."

Anyone who has any information that might help the family find their pet can join the Facebook group or contact Henry on 07915 635480.

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