Heart-broken owners of a rescue dog who went missing on Wimbledon Common the day it arrived from Spain are appealing for help to find him.

Nico, a two-year-old Jack Russell Whippet cross from Spain was being walked near Tibbet's Corner last Wednesday when he escaped form his harness and disappeared.

It was his first walk with adoptive parents Paul Fitzsimons, 30, and his wife after arriving in the UK.

Mr Fitzsimons, an engineering manager from Southfields, said: "We were on the pathway near Tibbet's Corner when he went into the bushes.

"We tried to pull him out and the harness slipped. He's a flexible dog and he managed to manouvre his harness.

"I wasn't expecting it at all but there was a moment of panic when we saw him do it."

Nico went missing at about 2pm and was spotted in the same area about 7pm later that day but wouldn't respond to owners' pleas for his return.

Out searching all weekend, Mr Fitzsimons said today: "There was a possible sighting in Wimbledon Park. So I am still positive we will get him back."

Mr Fitzsimons believes Nico was chasing something when he went missing.

He is described as very shy, wearing a red collar and with white fur and a mixed brown and white-haired face.

He is slim, with long legs and is afraid of roads.

Tibbet's Corner is the roundabout which links Putney Heath to Wimbledon Common.

Have you seen Nico? If you have any information, please contact the newsdesk on 0208 722 6335, or e-mail louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.