A BELOVED pet dog that was inside a car when it was stolen has been reunited with his owner.

Murphy, a black cockapoo, was spotted tied to a lamppost in Auchinairn Road in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, at around 1am yesterday.

He had been missing since the car he was inside was taken from outside the Virgin Active health club on Strathblane Road, Milngavie, on Tuesday.

Officers said Murphy was safe and well and has been returned to his delighted owner. The Volkswagen Scirocco is still missing.

Chief Inspector Rob Hay said: "It is still unclear whether the thieves let the dog out of the car before driving off or decided to return it to the area due to the media interest."