A 41-year-old man from Middlewich has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a dog and possession of a weapon in Staffordshire.

Alastor, a seven-month-old pug, was stolen earlier this week.

Officers involved in an intelligence-led operation carried out a stop and search on a suspect van during the early hours of Wednesday, November 7 and discovered Alastor in the back of the vehicle.

A knife was also recovered during the search.

He remains in police custody and enquiries are on-going.

Alastor was immediately returned to his relieved owners.

Michelle James, Alastor’s owner, said: “The response to our appeal since Alastor was stolen has been amazing with nearly 20,000 shares on social media so thanks to all those involved.

“Alastor’s had a traumatic couple of days as he is also recovering from an operation that he had the day before he was taken. But he’s safely back home now and we’re delighted to have him returned to us.”