THE hunt for a 'dangerous' dog who escaped from Whitchurch kennels is over after West Mercia Police (WMP) said it had found the animal 'safe and well.

The Staffordshire bull terrier cross escaped from the kennels following an incident last month and this week, police brought in a civilian dog capture group to aid its search in Shrewsbury.

However, officers have confirmed the dog had been found in Whixall, near Whitchurch, and had been safely locked in a garage until specialist officers could take it back to kennels.

A WMP spokesman said: ""We are pleased to report that the dog which was reported missing from Whitchurch on Monday has been found safe and well.

"The dog had escaped from private kennels where it was boarding following a police incident in July.

"Due to the nature of the incident we were concerned for its safety, as well as the safety of anyone who approached it, as its behaviour may have been unpredictable.

"At about 9.30am on Friday, we had a call to say that the dog had been seen in a garden in Whixall.

"It was encouraged into a garage and secured until our officers were able to collect it and will now be taken back to kennels.

"Thank you to everyone who assisted with the search for the dog.

"There are no further details available at this time."