A Fareham woman has spoken of her fear that thieves may have stolen her prized Cavalier King Charles Spaniel after it went missing six days ago.

The much-loved family pet named Hattie was last seen on New Year's Eve when she was let out into the garden of her owner Wendy Grant.

Concerns were raised when the two-year-old dog failed to come back .

Since then Wendy and her family have been pounding the streets and putting up dozens of posters offering a reward for the safe return of the beloved pet.

Wendy, of Newgate Lane, Fareham, said: "It is very upsetting for everyone, not knowing how she is or if she is being well-looked after. They are a sought-after breed and she is a very pretty dog, extremely friendly and good-natured. It is very worrying for us.

"She is quite small for her age and breed so people may think she is a puppy but she is two years old."

As it is not in Hattie's nature to go missing police are now treating the disappearance of the £375 dog as theft. Wendy said: "I think the only explanation is that she has been stolen, there is only one place in the garden that is fenced and someone could have reached over and got her then. If she had been lost or in an accident I am sure I would have heard something, we have been out regularly looking for her and have put posters up everywhere."

Hattie was not wearing a collar at the time she disappeared because she was only let out into the garden. A spokesman for Hampshire police said: "It is very upsetting for the owners as this dog is a much-loved family pet."

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 045 4545 or Wendy on 07745 925253.