A DOG which was hit by a car and ran from home ran has been found after leading search teams on a merry dance.

Poppy, a Cockerpoo, managed six days on the loose and was spotted by drivers on the A130 and A127 after going missing from Shoebury.

A mass search for the dog was led by Tilly’s Angels, an organisation set up in south Essex to search for lost dogs.

After travelling more than 13 miles in a circle, Poppy was finally picked up from a field near Carpenter’s Arms, in Old London Road, Rawreth, near Wickford, six days after she first bolted.

Owners Lee and Steph said: “We are just so happy that she is back with us and cannot thank everyone especially Tilly’s Angels enough. They have been our rock, our support and gave us the strength to continue and never give up. They are truly wonderful and we will be forever grateful for their help and the wonderful community and people of Wickford.”

More than 2,000 posters were put up and Tilly’s Angels, the search group, plotted Poppy’s movements and established she travelled 4.5 miles in the first 40 minutes she was lost.

Hundreds of people walked for hours to cover a 10 mile radius to poster and leaflet to raise awareness of Poppy’s plight.

Thankfully, their dedication lead to another successful return of a lost dog.

Tillys Angels’ Hana O’Neill, who lead the hunt for Poppy, said: “A gentleman found her in a nearby field. A call was made to Tilly’s Angels who sent a photo of the dog that had been caught to Poppy’s owners. Poppy’s Mum Steph only just about managed to confirm it was indeed Poppy before the shock set in and she could barely speak. Then came the best bit of course, reuniting Poppy with her family.

“Despite everything Poppy had been through this time she saw them and started wagging her tail and the tears flowed all round!

“It’s just wonderful that she is now safe and sound and back where she belongs. The only difference in her seems to be that she has lost 2.7kg and is now nursing rather sore paws from all that running!”