The owners of a missing dog that vanished from the back of a truck have issued a desperate plea to help find him.

Simon Mitchelmore left Deer Park in Dartmouth at about 6.50am thinking that pet pooch Eley was secured in his crate.

But when Simon arrived at Loyton Sporting in Exmoor at about 8.30am he realised the three-year-old fox red cocker spaniel was missing.

Simon, whose family owns Dartmouth Crab Company, has been desperately retracing his steps in the hope of finding him.

Friend Sue Nicholls, who is trying to reunite the pair, said: “After leaving Dartmouth, Simon drove through Totnes and joined the A38 at Buckfastleigh.

“The traffic was jammed around Haldon Hill and we think he could have jumped out there.

“Simon thought he’d secured him in the dog box, but when he got to the estate he wasn’t there.

“Eley is a lovely dog. He’s very friendly and approachable - if you see him please call us and make sure he is safe."

Anyone with information can contact Sue on 07855 404506 or Simon on 07967 497022.