A HEARTBROKEN family are appealing for the return of their pet dog after it was unwittingly stolen by thieves.

Two-year-old springer spaniel Meg was in the back of Paul Cragg's white Ford Transit van when he stopped to chat to someone in Glen View Road, Burnley.

He got out of the van, leaving the keys in the ignition, and thieves jumped into the vehicle and drove off with Meg trapped in the back.

The theft has left the Craggs' young daughter Olivia, eight, heartbroken and unable to sleep at night.

The family, who live in Goldfield Avenue, Burnley, are now offering a reward for the safe return of their beloved pet.

And the police have launched an investigation into the theft, which happened shortly before 4pm on Monday.

Gillian Cragg, 37, who works at the Skipton Building Society, said: "We are heartbroken that Meg has gone and we are missing her desperately. Olivia just wants to see her back home safe and sound.

"She is having sleepless nights after what happened because she is worried about what these people may have done to Meg, and where she might be.

"At least she is chipped, so if she is handed in to the police, or the dog wardens, then hopefully we will get her back. We are offering a reward for her safe return.

"We don't care about the van. All we want is for Meg to be back with us."

Inspector Dave Croll, of Burnley Police, said: "We are investigating the theft of a van from Glen View Road and it appears that a family pet was in the van.

"The thieves were probably unaware that the animal was there, and we would appeal for them to return her safely."

Meg is described as a liver and white bitch.

The van registration is MT51ZZX.

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001.