Warner Brothers 'mascot' dog found dead near river Thames a week after going missing

An adorable French Bulldog who counted actors Tom Wilkinson and Colin Firth among its celebrity "friends" has been found dead a week after vanishing in south-west London.

Winston's owners Cara and Sam Sheppard presumed the 16-month-old pup had been stolen when he vanished near the river Thames in Richmond.

They launched a huge search to find their pet who frequents Warner Brothers' De Lane Lea studios in Soho where Mrs Sheppard works as managing director.

Mrs Sheppard, 36, told the Standard: “Unfortunately we found Winston yesterday and he is no longer with us.

“We are devastated beyond words.”

A Twitter account for the missing dog shared the sad news with followers on Thursday.

The post read: “This is Team Winston and I am afraid I am delivering heartbreaking news to you all - This beautiful boy was found today washed up in the river a few miles away. We are devastated and want to thank you all for your amazing support, its been incredible.”

It added: "Please can you all light a candle for Winston to show him the way to Rainbow bridge and in memory of this gorgeous boy who has been taken far too soon."

Police had been informed about Winston’s disappearance.

CCTV showed him running past The Jackson and Rye in Richmond two minutes after he vanished and around 450ft away from where he originally went missing next to the White Cross pub.

Mrs Sheppard often brought Winston to work where he was a “favourite” with high profile actors including Rupert Everett, Ricky Gervais and Game of Thrones’ Natalie Dormer.

He even had his own title at Warner Brothers – senior vice president of toys, snacks and shoelaces and chewable recreation – and was recognised as the company’s unofficial mascot.

The pup was due to appear on the Channel 4 programme Vets on the Hill in the summer.

He also had his own Instagram account which amassed 2,178 followers.

Winston was also “well known” around Soho and near his home in Richmond.

Mrs Sheppard said last week: “Winston is always in the bar at work and he is firm favourite with some big names.

“He well known in Soho and businesses in Richmond all have pictures of him up. He is a real character, he attracts a lot of attention.”