Owner Jamie Vindis said the family was ‘blown away’ by all the support (PIcture: Facebook)

Twiglet the brown miniature dachshund has been reunited with her owner after being taken by a masked thief with a hammer.

The tiny 16-month-old dog was snatched at about 3pm on Wednesday from her home in Catmere End in Saffron Walden, Essex.

CCTV footage from the owner’s kitchen captured the moment the man posing as a delivery driver is seen entering the property through a smashed glass patio door.

As a burglar alarm blares, a terrified Twiglet barks before the man pins the pup to the floor as she yelps in pain.

Clamping her mouth shut to stop her barking, the robber then forcibly yanked her up and sprinted out of the house.

Essex Police launched a missing hound appeal to track Twiglet down the following day, sharing the surveillance tape online which went viral.

The burglar, who posed as a fake delivery driver, pinned the pup to the ground before taking Twiglet (Picture: Essex Police)

Twiglet is feeling ‘a little subdued’ after the ordeal (Picture: PA)

But owner Jamie Vindis revealed on Facebook today that ‘Twig is home’.

Posting on a Facebook page to find lost dogs in Essex just after midnight, Jamie said: ‘She’s a little subdued by the whole experience but a tip-off this evening (via FB) from someone that had seen all of the publicity and awareness, has meant we were able to be reunited about 11pm.

‘We can’t thank everyone enough for all of the posts and reposts and noise that has meant that she most likely did become “too hot to handle”.

‘We are blown away by how amazing people have been and want to thank you all so so much.’

County police confirmed the news and added that investigations are still ongoing. No arrests have been made.

‘Twiglet’s owner is grateful to the public for all their support and sharing the appeal which was seen by a member of the public who was able to reunite Twiglet with its owner,’ a force spokesperson said.

They added: ‘We’re continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information that might be able to help our investigation into the burglary.’

Jamie’s Facebook post has tallied more than 700 likes and love heart reactions, with worried users hoping Twiglet hasn’t been too ‘traumatised’ by the ordeal.

‘I haven’t stopped thinking about her since I saw the video this morning,’ said one user.

‘I have two dachshunds myself and just couldn’t even imagine. I am SO pleased she is home and safe.’

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‘Twig is home.’