A man arrested on suspicion of stealing a beloved family pet has been released without charge.

The 21-year-old was detained by police investigating the theft of pure breed Chihuahua ‘Rocky’ from outside Tesco Express in Potters Bar on September 2.

Officers executed a warrant at an address in Borehamwood on Wednesday last week where they recovered the dog and made an arrest.

The suspect answered bail yesterday (Tuesday) but was released by Hertfordshire police due to insufficient evidence.

Rocky’s disappearance caused misery for his owners, the Stokes family, who were eventually overjoyed by his return.