A woman has praised Islington’s “amazing” community spirit after a tip-off led to the safe recovery of her beloved dog.

Jane Moloney, 56, felt “physically sick” after her house was burgled last Monday afternoon – but not because of any stolen possessions.

Her poodle cross, Charlie, had escaped the home on Duncan Terrace, off Colebrooke Row, after the burglars broke in.

She admitted: “I didn’t even look at what was stolen. For me, it was all about Charlie.

“My first thought was that he had been stolen, although it transpired that he must have run away when they got in. I was physically sick.

“I know it’s not a child, but my dog is the most precious thing in the world to me, and he was gone.”

A far-reaching Facebook and poster campaign led to Charlie being spotted one mile away on Canonbury Road last Wednesday. He was found by Ms Moloney’s daughter, Scarlet, hiding in bushes.

Now, with Charlie safe and well having passed a health check at the vets, Ms Moloney said she was pleasantly surprised by the community spirit that led to Charlie being found.

“The response was amazing. Scarlet got a call from a lady who had seen the campaign on Facebook, and who thought she had seen Charlie running around.

“Scarlet and my sister, Ingrid, got to Canonbury Road and she heard rustling in a bush. That was when she saw his face appear.

“They got straight into a taxi. I was waiting by the window and just screamed when I saw them. Ingrid had to tell me not to have a heart attack.

“I was just so, so happy. It proves that even in a huge city like London, there can be a strong community spirit.”