Brazen thieves stole a couple's car with their dog in the back as they were trying to hitch their caravan.

Today heartbroken John and Judith Bell appealed for help in tracing their beloved spaniel, Barney.

Police recovered their Volvo, which had been stripped of its wheels, in Hammerton Street, off Leeds Road, Bradford but there was no sign of the dog.

Mr and Mrs Bell had been collecting their caravan from a repair shop at Albion Caravan, Greengates, Bradford, when the car was taken.

Two men jumped into the car after Mr Bell, 62, got out to hitch the caravan, while his wife spoke to staff.

A tearful Mrs Bell, 63, said her husband, who had his voice box removed after suffering throat cancer, tried to call for help.

She said: "I was at the side of the caravan talking to one of the staff. The next thing I saw, this man just shot off and another man jumped into the passenger seat.

"All I could think about was my dog is in there' I didn't care about the car. John has had his voice box removed and cannot shout or raise his voice. He was trying to shout to me.

"By the time I heard they were out of the forecourt."

Staff at the caravan centre tried to chase the vehicle.

Mr and Mrs Bell urged anyone who has seen their three-year-old dog to contact police.

Mrs Bell, of Glen Road, Shipley, said: "I just want Barney back. He loves my grandchildren they have been really upset about it."

Anyone who has information about the dog or the theft of the car, which happened at 11am last Friday, should call the Bradford North police helpdesk on (01274) 376259.

e-mail: nishika.patel@bradford.newsquest.co.uk