A hunt has begun to find a distinctive dog which was stolen from outside a shop.

The dog, named Olga, was stolen from a path outside Asda in Marshall Road, Leyton, on Thursday.

Witnesses claim that the dog, which was tied up at around 6.40pm, was snatched by a child.

With big ears and brindle markings, the Chihuahua cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier is easily recognisable, according to her owners.

Zara Noble, 29, of Leslie Road in Leytonstone, said it is like "torture" not knowing whether or not her pet is safe.

“It was my boyfriend who had taken her to the shop. We both leave her outside for a minute and it has always been fine," she said.

“He came out of the shop and he was looking for her and a man came over and said a kid had just taken her and ran away.

“He said it was a boy aged between 10 and 15.

“We have been asking police for a description and for CCTV but we haven’t heard anything back.

“It is like torture not knowing if she is safe.

"It is really horrible, knowing there is nothing I can do.

"I am trying to stay positive. I just hope she isn’t hurt.”

After picking up the dog, a witness said the boy ran across the car park and towards the pedestrian exit, at the back of the Leyton Mills shopping centre.

At the time Olga was wearing a black harness, a small brown collar, and a green and brown bandana.

She is microchipped, and spayed.

Miss Noble is offering a cash reward for her safe return.

Anyone with any information is urged to call 07921 089 700 or 07592130634.