Five men have been arrested for allegedly plotting to snatch a rare lilac bulldog which police believe may now be in Oxford.

The eight-week-old puppy, thought to be worth around £16,000, was stolen from the breeder's home in Tadworth on October 17.

Police were told that a man came to the house with an interest in buying the puppy, but after being given it to hold, he ran out of the house, allegedly assaulting a relative of the dog breeder on his way.

The whereabouts of the puppy - named Lila - remains unknown, but police believe it may be in Oxford.

Two men aged 25 and three others aged 24, 26 and 27 from Oxford have been arrested on conspiracy to commit robbery and have been released on bail until February 19 and 20 pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Eloise Lock, investigating officer, said: "I would like to thank the public and media for their help following the original appeal in October, after which we had numerous enquiries to investigate.

"I am now calling for the public's help again as we still need to find the puppy and return her to the rightful owner.

"Given the time elapsed since it was taken it could well have stayed at numerous premises, and may be out of the county of Surrey.

"If you have noticed any unusual behaviour by your neighbours, or anybody you know in relation to any new pets they have, we need to hear from you.

"Sometimes people feel nervous about passing on information to us for whatever reason, but you can talk to the independent charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity by calling 0800 555 111."

Anyone with information should call the police on 101 or by using the online reporting facility at www.surrey.police.uk, quoting the reference number 45140087824.