Four dogs have gone missing after their walkers van was stolen.

Five canines had been left in a white Fiat Doblo Cargo in Glennie Road, West Norwood, while the walker Denise Joest, whose own dog was also stolen, went into a house.

One of them, a brown working Cocker Spaniel called Sprocket, has since been found by another walker dumped in Sydenham yesterday evening, but four are still missing.

Owners are searching for a black and white Lurcher, a “teacup” Yorkshire terrier, a black and white Cavapoo and a brown Cockerpoo.

Dog walker Angela Norton, who shares her role with Ms Joest, was in hospital when the theft happened.

Ms Norton, 51, said: “I came out of the hospital and turned my phone on and thought, what the hell.

“I don’t care about the van, you can replace the van, you can’t replace a member of someone’s family.

“I have known them since they were puppies, I’m heartbroken for the owners and the dog walker involved is devastated.”

Ms Norton added that Ms Joest, who “uncharacteristically” left the key in the van, has been working with her for two years.

Ms Norton, who lives in Nunhead, added: “We got one dog back and took him to the vet, he’s fine but a little bit more needy, which you would be if you were driven off in a van at great speed.

“But we have got four dogs still out there.”

Anna Bailey, 46, is the owner of Nina, a seven-year-old black lurcher who is one of the dogs missing.

Nina was spotted in Nunhead cemetary this morning.

Ms Bailey, who recently moved to Sydenham from East Dulwich, said: "It's horrific, you just don't think someone is going to nick a van and then dump the dogs all over south London.

"It's just one of those random horrible things."

She adopted Nina, a "nervous and jumpy" dog, from Battersea Dogs Home five years ago.

Ms Bailey said: "If you see her she's going to be running away from you, but she does love treats and cheese.

"With everybody out there looking and sharing on Facebook and Twitter, somebody will spot them, they will turn up, I feel really positive about that."

If you are the owner of one of the missing dogs please email jessica.clark@london.newquest.co.uk or call 01689 885 725.

If you spot the dogs or the van (registration number Wr15 GNJ) call 07798606455.