A search operation is underway this morning to find a dog that was lost by its vets.

Yorkshire Terrier Teddy was taken to Parkvets in Station Road, Longfield, last Friday to have a minor operation to remove some of his teeth.

After the procedure he was taken to their other hospital vets practice in Sidcup where he managed to get escape through a hole in a fence.

Now Animal Search UK's missing pet search team are hosting a search for the two-year-old canine today.

Lead investigator Andrew McNair said: "Most missing pets are found within a short distance of home – the challenge is making sure that as many people as possible know the pet is missing and encourage everyone to be vigilant and to keep an eye out.

“Work and family commitments often mean owners don’t have time to devote scouring the area looking for their missing pet, and this is why Animal Search UK is a huge help.

"Visiting neighbours can also be daunting so the team have the expertise to search gardens, garages and outbuildings in order to conduct a thorough search. Our professional, uniformed specialist search teams can usually be at any location in the UK within 48 hours.”

Natasha Hawkins, whose parents are Teddy's owners, created a Facebook group to try and help find him, which has since gathered more than 4,000 followers.

She said: "Our main priority to to reunite teddy back with my parents who are devastated. The vets have a lot to answer for, why was he not transported in a safe crate for starters and why did no one notify my parents immediately."

Since Teddy's disappearance there have been a number of sightings in the Sidcup area, but none have lead to finding the small dog.

Former EastEnders star Jaqueline Jossa and TV presenter Paul O'Grady have helped by sharing the posts to find Teddy.

Parkvets have offered a £2,500 reward to anyone who gets Teddy home.

Practice director at Parkvets, Diane Heron, said: “We care deeply for all of our patients and we are devastated that Teddy escaped while he was under our care.

"We’ve been searching with everyone else since Friday and very much hope that he turns up as soon as possible. We are offering a reward of £2500 for any information that leads to him being found."

If anyone has seen or found Teddy, contact 07715302489.

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