Police have found a car with a dog inside which was stolen earlier today in Barking.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Met police officers with staff from Coral who helped rescue the dog. Picture: Charlie CorryMet police officers with staff from Coral who helped rescue the dog. Picture: Charlie Corry (Image: Archant)

At around 10am, Susan Hill, 62, parked her car outside the King Edward’s Medical Centre in Morley Road, with her dog, Khan, inside.

She was gone less than 10 minutes, but when she returned, the car was missing and another was parked in its place.

“I knew I would only be 10 minutes, which is why I left him there,” she said.

“I saw the doctor straight away, but when I came out, the car was gone.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Susan Hill, Khan's owner, reunited with the Chow Chow. Picture: Charlie CorrySusan Hill, Khan's owner, reunited with the Chow Chow. Picture: Charlie Corry (Image: Archant)

“I tried to ring the police, but I was so upset, a couple of ladies had to stop and take over the phonecall for me.”

Khan is a nine-year-old black Chow Chow with a light brown ruff of fur round his neck. He suffers with arthritis and takes pain medication.

He was found by police just before 4pm.

A Met Police spokeswoman said: “Police were called at approximately 10:31 to reports of a vehicle theft in Morley Road.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Khan was left in the car for 10 minutes as Susan went to her doctor's appointment. Picture: Susan HillKhan was left in the car for 10 minutes as Susan went to her doctor's appointment. Picture: Susan Hill (Image: Archant)

“It is believed the vehicle, a Ford KA, was taken between 10:10 and 10:20 with the owner’s dog still inside.

“The car and the dog were later recovered safely in Ripple Road, Barking.

“No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.”

Khan was found outside the Coral in Ripple Road, with Charlie Corry, who works at the store, helping to rescue him.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Khan is black with a ruff of brown fur around his neck, a rare colour for his breed. Picture: Susan HillKhan is black with a ruff of brown fur around his neck, a rare colour for his breed. Picture: Susan Hill (Image: Archant)

Susan said: “I’ve got my dog and car back. So happy, I will never leave him in the car again.”