A dog has been reunited with its owner after a black cab was stolen with the pet inside.

The vehicle was parked in Grove Green Road, Leyton, as another dog was dropped off at 8pm on Monday.

The driver left the engine running and left Harry, her 12-year-old Pomerian-Staffordshire crossbreed bitch, inside the vehicle as she visited the property.

When she returned a few minutes later the car and Harry had gone.

Police responding to the incident soon found Harry abandoned in Birkbeck Road, Leytonstone.

And as the search continued, the stolen was spotted at the junction with Leslie Road, Leytonstone.

The two occupants fled the vehicle, but were detained nearby.

Police recovered a number of items belonging to the victim, discarded in a nearby bin.

Two men, aged 40 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and remain in custody.

Detective Superintendent Jacqueline Sebire, acting Waltham Forest Borough Commander, said: "We get many leads on many crimes but this is the best collar we have had."

"This is a great example of police work and we are pleased that Harry has been reunited with her owner."