A LEIGH family are appealing for the public to keep an eye open after the disappearance of their daughter's Staffordshire bull terrier.

The terrier, a bitch, is 18 months old and answers to Zara. She has a small white patch on her chest with very thin hair underneath.

The animal belongs to Davena Gilman of Leigh Road, and her mother Evelyne said: "She disappeared on Friday night about 6pm and we have reported it to the police and the dog rescue service in Manchester as well as to local vets. We think she disappeared after a garden gate was left open, but we would have expected her to return by now, and we feel that someone has picked her up.

"There have been several incidents of Staffordshire bull terriers going missing in the region recently and we are fearful that Zara could have been picked up by the same people."

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Zara they are asked to ring 01942 670885 or 01942 515052.

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