A couple whose dog was stolen from their home have been forced to pay a substantial ransom demand for his safe return.

Four-year-old Sir Vincent Noodle, who is a mix between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua, went missing from Bounds Green on Sunday, June 24.

Owners Jonathan Shuttleworth and his girlfriend Elizabeth were cleaning the house at the time, and believe their dog may have been nabbed from their back garden while they were inside.

The couple, who also have a pet cat, began plastering posters all around Wood Green, Tottenham and The North Circular to make sure the community was keeping their eye out for their beloved pooch.

Just four days later, Mr Shuttleworth received an anonymous phone call demanding a ransom for the safe return of the dog.

Straight away, the 34-year-old chartered surveyor met the mystery caller in Wood Green where he was shown photographs of his pet, also known as Vinnie, on his mobile phone.

Later that day, he returned with his dog walker Anthony, where the dog was swapped for a wad of £20 notes hidden in an envelope.

He said: “It is mental, a crazy situation. It is quite a girly looking dog – it didn’t look like the sort of dog that would belong to them.

“Although he looks cute, he is not toilet trained and can imagine he was peeing on their carpets.”

A neighbour spotted a gang of men carry the dog into a car, although at that time she did not know the dog had just been stolen.

Mr Shuttleworth, who works in Baker Street, added: “It was like a film. I had a real mixture of emotions when I met with them, I was really angry but was also trying to maintain some sensibility.”

The surveyor reported the dog theft to the police, who were investigating the crime as well as listing Vinnie on his microchip as stolen.

Elizabeth said: “I have heard of this happening before - it was my worst nightmare because it happens a lot in Sussex where my dad lives and some friends of mine never got their dog back after it was stolen.

“The thing is that dog was like a child to me and I am hoping in a few weeks he will forget about it.”

Despite the stress and the cost to see the safe return of Vinnie, the pair are delighted to be reunited with their only dog.

Mr Shuttleworth, who refused to believe his dog would never be returned, said: “It is amazing to have him back, it is really good. During the week he was missing I was just miserable.

“He is not quite back to his old self – he is subdued, on edge, clingy and quite quiet but I think in time he will forget.”

The couple bought the dog for £800 in 2008, but because of its age, Mr Shuttleworth believes it has a street value of no more than £200.