A MUCH-LOVED dog who was stolen from his home leaving a young girl heartbroken has now been returned to his family safe and well.

Archie, a seven-year-old red cocker spaniel, was stolen in a burglary in the Barden area of Leyburn during the early hours of the morning on Friday April 8.

Police say entry was forced into an outbuilding and the suspect left with the much-loved pet at sometime between 1am and 6am.

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Appeals were made by police as well as the owners of Archie, the Birch family, who had set up a Facebook page for his return.

It was confirmed by the family today via the Facebook page that Archie has been returned safe and well.

Archie holds a special place in the heart of the family especially Molly, who said Archie was her best friend and companion.

In a statement on Facebook the family said that Molly and Archie are “inseparable and have a special, unbreakable bond.”

They added: “You have taken that away from them both.”

Molly, 14, made a plea for the return of the Archie on Facebook which had been viewed by tens of thousands of people.

In a statement on the Facebook page the family said they had “amazing news this Easter weekend”.

They added: “We have Archie. Its down to you the public and supporters who shared Archie and Molly's appeal that helped.”

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“Archie is going home. We will update later once Molly is reunited with her best friend.

“Thank you.”

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