A DEVASTATED Snowshill family has fallen victim to dog nappers for the second time in less than two years.

They believe that Myrtle, a 15-week-old Staffordshire bull terrier, has been snatched from them and are coming to terms with this for the second time in less than two years.

Dolly Maude left the puppy and her two lurchers at her friend's house across the road from her home just before 3.30pm last Friday as she was heading for Somerset with her two children, Billy, eight, and Nell, six.

The three dogs, and the friend's Jack Russell, went into the garden and within minutes Myrtle had vanished. No-one saw or heard anything.

Last year the Maude family's 13-year-old terrier, Basil, disappeared in similar circumstances late one Sunday night after being let out into the garden.

Since moving to Snowshill they have also had a horse lorry, tractor, trailer and a car stolen.

Mrs Maude, who runs an equine rehabilitation yard in the village, said: "All these are replaceable, but we are devastated by the loss of Basil and now Myrtle. The children are mortified and keep asking where she has gone.

"We searched all night with torches to try to find her but couldn't.

"I've decided we will not have any more dogs, because if we live in this village we can't have them."

Mrs Maude has offered a £500 for the return of Myrtle.

"Someone may know where she is, maybe a neighbour has got her, and I just hope they would have the courage to come forward and say something."

Anyone with information about the dog should call the police on 08457 444888.