A beloved dog who was missing for more than a week has sadly been found dead.

Pug-cross Tom disappeared from Ann and Ted Cowlard's home in Lydd, on Romney Marsh, last week.

It was the same day the couple were reunited with their other dog, Dora, who had been stolen in February while on a walk.

Now, after more than a week of searching, Tom was found close to their home after drowning.

A statement posted on social media last night said: "It’s with utter sadness that the body of Tom was found this evening in the back yard to his house.

"Tom had unfortunately drowned.

"Owners are devastated but they now know where and what happened to Tom.

"They want to thank each and everyone one for helping in the search for Tom.

"Wasn’t the happy ending they had hoped for like with Dora pug.

"But they now know where he is.

"May he run free up in dog heaven."

Tom went missing on Monday, March 8 and Mr and Mrs Cowlard feared he had been stolen.

It came as another of their pugs, Dora, was snatched by a masked man dressed all in black on Wednesday, February 24 in an alley in Lydd.

Mrs Cowlard, 72, was walking her dogs when the man bent down to greet one of them, loosened Dora's collar, and then ran off with her.

An appeal was launched - helped by TV star and Kent resident Paul O'Grady - and Dora was eventually found loose in the street, 65 miles from home.

She was taken to Bexleyheath Police station and then a vets, and was collected by Mr Cowlard on Monday, March 8.

The couple said she is doing well.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here