A FATHER of two whose family dog ran off a fortnight ago is calling on whoever has her to get in touch.

John Cunliffe, from Sutton Manor, St Helens, says that Sal, their seven year old, dark brindle-coloured, greyhound/lurcher cross, was badly frightened by the fireworks display at the end of St Helens Show on Sunday, July 30, and at 10.30pm, she jumped over the garden gate and ran off.

However, an advert placed in the St Helens Star's Lost and Found column on August 10 had an immediate response when staff from the Texaco petrol garage on Jubits Lane, Sutton, contacted him to say that a dog matching Sal's description had appeared on the garage forecourt at 11.30pm the evening she disappeared.

John told the Star: "They claim that a woman who had been getting petrol, managed to get hold of her and drove off with her in the car. They said she was about 40 and driving a white Metro with around three passengers in it, possibly all teenage girls."

He added: "We are all really missing Sal now, particularly my two children. She has been with us since she was eight weeks old and is part of the family so we are desperate to get her back. If this woman, or anyone else has her, please could they get in touch."

IF you have information on Sal, contact Mr Haslan, John's friend, on (01744) 819675.