A MAN who was seen 'stuffing a dog into a suitcase' was at the centre of a police investigation today.

Stunned witnesses called the police for help after describing a man picking up a small Spaniel and putting it into a bag.

A post on social media, that has since been deleted, read: "The dog was scrambling frantically as he stuffed it into the suitcase then he zipped it up and strolled it down the road."

Officers rushed to the scene but by the time they arrived the man had vanished.

He was earlier spotted wheeling a bag along Basingstoke Road and it is thought the dog was inside.

A police spokesman said anyone with details should contact the force on 101, adding: "Thames Valley Police officers were called today at about 8.05am following reports that a man had been seen putting a dog into a suitcase in Basingstoke Road.

"Officers attended the scene, but have so far been unable to locate any man matching this description. It is unclear at this time if any criminal offence has occurred."

Now the dog has been found safe and well.

A Reading Borough Council spokesman said: "We have identified the person and the dog and enquiries are ongoing in liason with the police and RSPCA.

"The dog is fine and was not stolen but we cannot comment further at this time."

An RSPCA spokesman said: "We've been made aware of a photo circulating on social media which allegedly shows a man stealing a dog in a suitcase.

"This sounds like a very upsetting incident and we would be concerned for the welfare of this dog and are looking into these reports.

"We'd also urge anyone with any information to contact local police."