Maggie May needs a stomach operation

Actor Keith Allen's 21-year-old daughter spoke about the theft on her MySpace website page.

Offering a reward, she said her English bull terrier Maggie May was taken from her friend's van in Forest Gate, east London, on Thursday.

A spokesman for Dog Lost, a website that helps find missing canines, said there was a "huge" problem with such breeds being stolen in east London.

In her blog, Allen said: "I am beside myself with worry because someone has stolen my dog Maggie May this morning.

"Not only am I devastated that my dog has been taken away, but I am also concerned for her well-being.

"She needs an operation on her stomach and is having medical treatment. Please anyone help."

Lily Allen had a number one hit in 2006 with Smile

Allen added: "No one will be angry - me and my family just want Maggie home."

She also posted details of Maggie on the Dog Lost website.

The website's founder, Jane Hayes, said: "We think there are gangs operating in east London stealing dogs for organised dog fights.

"We also think they are being sold in pubs by people looking for quick money for drugs.

"We get at least 100 reports a week of dogs lost, presumed stolen, and the site gets about 1.5 million hits a week."

Lily Allen made her name this year with her number one hit Smile after building a solid fan base on the internet.