An abandoned car was found to contain a French bulldog this afternoon.

Traffic police said that a Vauxhall Astra made off after seeing an unmarked traffic unit.

Now they are appealing for owner of the dog to get in touch.

A spokesman for GMP Traffic said: "The vehicle was abandoned around the corner in Prestwich as well as this little French bulldog.

"If this dog is yours, please get in touch - enquiries are ongoing to identify driver."

It's not clear why the dog was abandoned or if it does belong to the driver.

However a new study revealed the dogs most at risk of being stolen, as more than 2,000 thefts were recorded across the UK last year.

American Bulldogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and French Bulldogs top the list of the most stolen dog breeds last year.

More than four times as many American Bulldogs were stolen in 2022 than in 2021, while there was a 610 per cent increase in the number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers stolen.

The research, from Direct Line Pet Insurance, also revealed a 31 per cent rise in thefts of French Bulldogs.

These were the dog breeds most at risk of being stolen last year.

American Bulldog

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

French Bulldog

Jack Russell

Chihuahua

English Bulldog

Cocker Spaniel

German Shepherd

Yorkshire Terrier

Husky