A DOG said to have 'touched the hearts of thousands' during a much-shared social media campaign has died. 

Dougal the cocker spaniel became the subject of a Facebook appeal in January, after he was stolen from a farm in Finmere, near Bicester.

Hundreds of thousands of people shared posts to find him and almost 10,000 followed a Facebook page called 'Dougal's Army', to spread word of his disappearance across the country and beyond.

He was reunited with his owner Martyn Crowden more than two weeks after going missing - but now he faces fresh devastation, according to an announcement by Dougal's Army. 

A public message on the Facebook page this morning, posted by someone close to the family, said: "Lovely members of Dougals Army, this is the hardest post I’ve ever had to write. 

"I had a phone call this morning from Martyn Crowden with the most awful news, telling me that Dougal had been knocked down and tragically died.

"This is the saddest news and our deepest condolences go out to Martyn and his family. They have been through so much. 

"Without Dougal, this group would never have been possible so we will continue on in his memory. 

"I know how devastated we all are at this very sad news. 

"This little guy touched the hearts of thousands and will never be forgotten. 

"RIP Beautiful Dougal. We will never forget you."

She asked that people do not contact Mr Crowden directly at this difficult time.

Within one hour, the post had received more than 350 comments of sympathy, with several people saying they felt 'heartbroken' by the news despite never having met Dougal.

Since Dougal was found, the page has been used to help reunite other lost or stolen dogs with their owners.

One person commenting on the post said the news was 'tragic', but added: "Dougal has left a very good legacy with this group - helping other dogs."