A WINNING greyhound champion has been snatched from a Dursley home by a woman posing as an animal inspector.

Four-year-old Sweep, a retired top racing dog, was bundled into a car after being grabbed from his owner's Long Street home on Sunday.

The dog, a black greyhound with white paws and a limp, won numerous prestigious national titles under his racing name Severn Sweep before retiring last year.

He was re-homed with Richard Cooke just four weeks ago but the pair had already become inseparable.

Mr Cooke, told the Gazette he was distraught at losing his "pal'.

"Sweep is very, very friendly," he said. "I am absolutely distraught. He is much loved. I just want him back and will pick him up from anywhere."

A woman called at Mr Cooke's home at 11.40am claiming she was from the Greyhound Racing Trust and needed to check Sweep's injured paw, which he sustained whilst still racing.

Mr Cooke went to fetch a lead but the intruder dragged Sweep out of the house and into a waiting silver Landrover with a 06 registration plate.

"She was very convincing," said Mr Cooke, who described the woman as in her 50s, very slim and well spoken wearing an anorak covering her hair.

"It was pouring with rain so I didn't think anything of it," added Mr Cooke. "I should have checked for ID."

As the bogus inspector snatched Sweep she told Mr Cooke "You'll never see your dog again."

Wotton-under-Edge greyhound breeder Kate Lingwood-White, who re-homed Sweep with Mr Cooke, said: "This is absolutely despicable. I have serious concerns for the dog.

"If anyone sees a greyhound who is not known in that area I would ask them to make it known to police."

Sweep has a tag in his ear and a scar on his right shoulder. He could still be used for breeding and is considered extremely valuable.

Sue Sellick, of the Bristol branch of the Greyhound Racing Trust, said: "Unfortunately this is not uncommon because these dogs are so valuable. So many are snatched every day."

A police spokesman said the incident was being treated as theft and added: "This is obviously very upsetting for Mr Cooke and we would ask anybody with any information to come forward.

"We would like to stress the doorstep advice - make sure callers have proper identification before letting them in and if you are unsure call 999.

"Anybody with information on this incident is asked to call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 282 for May 13."

Sgt Colin Ford, of Dursley police, said: "Anyone who was in Long Street on Sunday lunchtime who saw anything, including the silver 4x4 vehicle, is urged to contact police."

Mr Cooke is offering a substantial reward for any information leading to Sweep's whereabouts. Contact police or the Gazette on 01453 544000.