A family has been left devastated after their dog went missing on Tuesday morning.

Cristiane Caldeef’s light brown chihauhua called Penny disappeared from the garden of her home in Bracey Street, Finsbury Park, which backs onto Hornsey Road, at around 9am.

A desperate search and a poster appeal ensued, but the one-and-a-half year dog – which is microchipped but was not wearing a collar – has not been found.

Ms Caldeef, who has two young daughters, said: “My little girls can’t stop crying. I’m just hoping that someone has picked her up without knowing that she has an owner as she is so beautiful and tiny. It’s one of my daughter’s birthdays on Friday and all she has said she wants is her dog back.”

Anyone with any information about Penny’s whereabouts is urged to contact Ms Caldeef on 07401 374743.