A MAN was arrested in Burnley this afternoon on suspicion of demanding a ransom for two dogs stolen from a house in Colne yesterday.

The male suspect was apprehended by two police officers acting on intelligence as he drove along Hufling Lane at 3.45pm

The two dogs were recovered and were among 15 which went missing after the burglary at a house used as a Husky rescue centre in Calder Street in Colne at 3.30pm yesterday.

Inspector Chris Valentine said 13 of the dogs, all Huskies, were let out of the property and recovered back in the house or on nearby streets.

However two - a Husky and a Jack Russell cross - were taken.

Inspector Valentine said: "This morning the owner received a ransom demand for £1,500 for the return of the two dogs.

"This afternoon, acting on intelligence received, two officers stopped a vehicle on Hufling Lane in Burnley.

"A man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and blackmail and is currently in police custody.

"The two dogs have been returned safely to their owner and enquiries are continuing."