A weeks-old kitten has been reunited with its owners by police officers investigating claims of a burglary.

The tiny tabby was discovered during a search of a house by officers probing an incident at an address in Toller Drive, Heaton, Bradford, in which jewellery, electrical items, money and an Audi car were allegedly stolen.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after a vehicle was found abandoned in the Leeds Road area. Forensic examination of the car resulted in a 37-year-old woman also being arrested.

Investigating officer PC Ryan Senior, of Bradford South CID, said a further house search uncovered the kitten, which they nicknamed Jess.

He said: “The arresting officers noted that there was a particularly cute-looking tabby kitten at the property they searched. After they mentioned it to me, we went back to the house and seized the cat.

“When we showed it to the complainant they immediately recognised it as their kitten. The kitten and its mother were then re-united. Both were extremely happy to see her returned safe and well, particularly as she was taken only a few weeks after birth.”

The man has now been charged with handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving over the prescribed limit and having no insurance. The woman has been charged with handling stolen goods.

Both have been released on bail to appear before Bradford Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

e-mail: steve.wright @telegraphandargus.co.uk