A family are offering a £2,000 reward for the safe return of their much-loved pet which they believe was stolen.

French bulldog, Winnie, disappeared from her home in Longley Road, Rainham, on Sunday.

Borthers Ronnie and Tommy Griggs appeal for the safe return of their French Bulldog, Winnie. Video: Henry Griggs

Owner, Henry Griggs, has spent night and day trying to find the six-month-old bitch, who he believes was swiped from their garden.

The stress of not knowing where Winnie is has left the 28-year-old worrying for the well-being of his girlfriend Alex Marshall, who is four months pregnant.

It has also had an adverse impact on Henry's two boys, Tommy, four, and Ronnie, three.

He said: "We were out there within five minutes of realising she wasn't there, I was running up and down looking for her and I couldn't see her anywhere. She was gone.

"I haven't been able to go back to work, I just can't concentrate on anything.

"The most heartbreaking thing is that my boys ask about her every five minutes. 'Where is she? When's she coming home?' But I don't know what to say."

Henry added: "Ronnie broke down last night and he's four years old. He broke down in tears because he misses the dog.

"It's torn our family apart. Life is going to be a struggle for years and years to come unless we get her back.

"Her safe return would mean absolutely everything.

"She is our baby, she is one of our family, which is why it is so devastating and we are all completely broken."

Henry reported the disappearance to the police, as he believes the animal was stolen from his garden following the recent spate of animal burglaries across Kent.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating a report that a French Bulldog puppy was believed to have been stolen from a back garden in Longley Road, Rainham, at around 10.30am on January 3.

"Enquiries into the circumstances to locate the puppy are ongoing."

If you find Winnie, or know anything that may help the family locate their beloved pet, call Henry on 07915 635480.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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