Police officers launched a massive search in Bridgnorth today after a 10-year-old girl failed to return home after going out to walk the family dog.

The drama unfolded when the girl’s mother raised the alarm and called the emergency services after the dog returned home alone at about 7.30am.

The girl had apparently been wandering around looking for the dog after losing it.

Police spokesman Richard Ewels said the search was called off after a member of the public spotted the girl walking nearby and she was returned home safe and well.

“The matter was reported to us at about 7.35am. Family members were concerned because the dog had returned alone.

“The emergency services were alerted and officers began a search of the area. Fortunately, the little girl was found safe and well within a short time. It seems she had been looking for the dog,” he added.

Residents saw fire crews, a police motorcyclist an unmarked police car and a helicopter head to the scene.

Fire officers said the girl had been walking the dog close to the Wellmeadow area.

Crews from Much Wenlock, an appliance and the ranger from Bridgnorth, the rescue tender from Wellington, an appliance, the boat and the boat towing unit and incident commander from Shrewsbury attended the scene at 7.55am.

An ambulance spokesman confirmed that they were also in attendance.

A fire service spokesman said: “Crews attended following reports of a person in the river at Bridgnorth.”

A resident said she saw police helicopters flying overhead by the Kidderminster Road side of the river, along with fire engines, police motorcyclists and unmarked police cars.