POLICE want to trace a man after a tiny dog was snatched from the pavement outside her home, leaving her owner heartbroken.

A mystery figure was caught on CCTV as he walked down Wonston Road in Southampton, appearing to have ten-year-old Izzy "squirming" in his hand.

The dog's distraught owner, Hanna Loughnane, has been scouring the area day and night amid fears her pet might have been dumped.

Izzy, who needs eyedrops for her cataracts, nipped out of the cat flap and failed to return.

Hanna said: "I was at the local shop at the time and had no idea Izzy was missing until I returned 20 minutes after she'd been taken.

"I immediately checked my CCTV, which showed the man walking past our steps with Izzy in his hand while he was talking on his phone.

"My partner and I drove around the area, checking all the local roads and parks, but couldn't find either Izzy or the man."

Hannah said posters with her phone number and a photograph of Izzy had been put up in the area.

She added: "I don't know what else I can do other than keep posting and telling everyone to try and get her back home safe and sound.

"I'm mortified to think she has been stolen from outside her own home.

"She's a very old companion and needs a lot of care and attention. She requires the vets from time to time due to her age and has cataracts, which are treated with special eyedrops only the vets can provide.

"I'm heartbroken and extremely worried for her welfare."

Citing the recent spell of cold and wet weather Hannah added: "This is no time to dump such a tiny, old dog and I'm so scared he's going to do this.

"She is a part of my life and I never expected this to be the end. Not this way."

Izzy, a miniature Yorkshire Terrier, is grey and tan with pointy ears and no tail. She was wearing a black flea collar.

A police spokesman said a man wearing a blue jacket, jeans and a dark hat was seen acting suspiciously in Wonston Road on December 10 at 12.30pm.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 44180462540.