A “BOY on a bike” was caught on CCTV stealing a beloved dog after it escaped from a garden, leaving a family heartbroken and devastated. 

Molly the Yorkshire Terrier was stolen from outside the family home in Hyde way, Wickford, 10 days ago and is still missing. 

The family initially feared the pet had escaped through an open gate, but CCTV revealed she was picked up by a boy on a bike who cycled away with Molly under his arm. 

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Natalie Summerfield, 33, has been left devastated while her five-year-old daughter, Maddison, is heartbroken. 

Natalie said: ““Molly is a very much-loved family pet, in particular my daughter Maddison.

“She is her best friend and means the world to Maddison.

“She is utterly devastated as we all are, and she cries everyday asking where Molly is and when she will be home.

“It is heart-breaking, we just want our Molly home”.

Essex Police confirmed a boy has been arrested and quizzed by officers, but has now been released under investigation. 

Jaimie Harrison, who has been assisted the family in the search as a volunteer for Tilly’s Angels, said they won’t stop fighting until Molly is found.

She said: “We get called to some heart-breaking situations where dogs have gone missing.

“The hardest thing about this situation is Molly was stolen.

“There is no regard for the little girl at home crying for her best friend and no regard for the welfare of the animal.

“The residents of Wickford never cease to amaze us with the support they give in these types of situations and Molly’s face has now been shared worldwide.

“We are working tirelessly to help find Molly and we won’t stop.”

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed a boy had been arrested and released under investigation. 

They said: A boy has been arrested on suspicion of theft in relation to an incident in Hyde Way, in Wickford, which was reported to us on Saturday 19 March.

“It was reported that a Yorkshire terrier had escaped from a garden on March 13 and was subsequently stolen.

“A boy was arrested on Monday and has been released under investigation.

“Our enquiries to locate the dog continue.”

Posts have been shared across social media by thousands in hope to find Molly and to get her home to her family.