A MUCH loved dog is believed to have gone missing in Appleton to try to find his owner in hospital.

Romeo, a grey toy poodle, has been missing since Thursday, March 28 after escaping from a home in Dale Lane, Appleton.

His elderly owner, who lives in Stockton Heath, was recently admitted to hospital after suffering a stroke and Romeo was being looked after by a friend.

Heather Cake, who set up Lost and Found Dogs and Cats Lymm and North Cheshire, said: "Unfortunately, Romeo escaped the house – we believe he has gone looking for his owner!

"A group of animal search volunteers and Romeo’s owners' family have been tirelessly searching and Romeo was sighted in various locations on Longwood Road, Broomfields, Broad Lane, New Lane, Weybridge Close and Green Lane."

Volunteers have tried setting a humane trap, laid scent trails, erected cameras and carried out more searches but Romeo is nowhere to be found.

Donna Ryan, who works with drone search and rescue, has been using her years of experience in searching for lost pets.

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Romeo's owner is due out of hospital today, Friday, and she faces returning home without her beloved companion.

Heather added: "Have you seen Romeo? Has he been found and is not being returned to his grieving owner?

"Has anyone you know recently acquired a grey poodle? Is he hiding in an outbuilding or shed?"

Visit Romeo's facebook page for more information or to report a sighting.