Mystery man demands £1000 to return stolen family dog

Lewis, 9, is devastated that Pedro has been stolen Credit: Steven Bradley

A puppy that has put the 'spark back' into a sick little boy's life has been callously stolen from him - and now the family are being blackmailed for his safe return.

Steven and Emma Bradley were devastated when their nine-year-old son's new Chihuahua, Pedro, went missing from their home in Astley, Greater Manchester, last night at around tea time.The frantic parents searched high and low for the six-month-old pup before receiving a phone call off a man with an Irish accent at around 9.30pm last night demanding £1000.

Security boss, dad Steven, 36, said:

The couple phoned police and reported the incident, but said that their son Lewis, who suffers from Crohn's disease, arthralgia and a neurological disorder which leave him in so much constant pain that he's unable to attend school regularly, is heartbroken.

Devastated mum Emma, 33, said:

Anyone who knows the whereabout of Pedro can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.