A woman from Hounslow, south-west London, has foiled a plot to steal a prize-winning poodle's identity.

Keen-eyed Annette Connolly-Read spotted an online seller's scam to sell fictitious puppies online under the pretence they were the progeny of a North Welsh pedigree.

According to the North Wales Post, a crook had posted details online saying the puppies were the children of two-year-old poodle Afonwen Welch Fusilier.

The pooch's identity was stolen after they were posted online by his proud owner, Lynne Day, who was keen to show off her dashing dog.

The conman, who calls himself Henry Daf and was operating from a registered address which is in fact a Glasgow graveyard, claimed the dog, whose pet name is Blue, had given birth - despite it being male.

However, Mrs Connolly-Read who was looking to buy a poodle came across the advert and reported it to police who are now investigating.

The real Blue has won a host of gongs at the Midlands Counties Canine Society Show and the North West Poodle Club.