A heartbroken family is preparing to spend their first ever Christmas without their beloved dog after she was stolen.

Alison Okudzeto tied Tequila to a pole outside Marks & Spencers, in Wood Green, last Friday – but when she returned 20 minutes later she was gone.

Police are now investigating after CCTV footage shows two men untying the black dog from the pole and coaxing her away at around 3.30pm.

Ms Okudzeto’s two daughters, Isla, two and Eline, three, are struggling to understand where their dog has gone.

The mother-of-two said: “We are all devastated. It’s such a horrible time and we don’t feel like we can look forward to Christmas now.

“The girls keep running around the house asking where the dog has gone. They shout her name down the street.

“I don’t understand how someone can do this to a family pet. I really hope someone comes forward and brings her back to us in time for the holidays.

"She is such a friendly dog and will go to just about anyone, which is probably why she didn't cause a scene when they untied her.”

Tequila is 11-years-old and is a cross between a schnauzer and shitzu mix. She is mainly black with salt and pepper colours on her paws and stomach.

The dog is micro chipped and has an ID tag for Petlog. Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101, or Ms Okudzeto on 0789 189 5054.