Maxi, a 16-week-old French bulldog puppy, was back in his Watchet home this week, none the worse for being “dognapped” by thieves and rescued by police in an early-hours raid on Tuesday.

The pup was stolen during a burglary at his owner’s Watchet home between noon and 4pm on Monday. Later in the day, the distraught family saw Maxi advertised on an online selling site and immediately alerted the police.

Response officers followed up the lead and recovered Maxi, well and unharmed, at 2.30am the following morning. A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of burglary has been released under investigation pending further inquiries.

Maxi’s owner, Andrew Pope, said: “Maxi was dognapped and found in Bristol for sale. He is a member of the family and is very happy to be back with us, and we are so grateful and happy to have him home.

“A big thank-you to Avon and Somerset police who have been fantastic.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 5220161301.