A BUSINESSMAN today offered a £10,000 reward to catch the thieves who stole his young daughter's beloved pet puppy.

Mike Sweeney said five-year-old Melissa and the rest of his family were devastated after the rottweiler's disappear-ance from their home in Gladstone Close, Cherry Tree, Blackburn.

The 41-year-old, who owns his own conservatory business, said he suspects thieves broke through a fence panel in the garden before taking the five-month-old dog.

The puppy, which has a twisted stomach, was due to have an operation this week and her owners say she will be in pain without her antibiotics.

Now the businessman is offering £2,000 for the dog's safe return and a further £8,000 on conviction of the thieves, who struck on Saturday.

The family do not want to reveal the pet's name in case thieves use it to befriend the animal.

Mr Sweeney, who lives with his wife, Natalie, 27, and daughter, said: "These heartless idiots have ruined my daughter's life at the moment. And I never realised how much it would affect me. But I'm really struggling.

"We had planned a day out for Mother's Day but it was ruined. We have had such a horrible weekend. Who would do this?

"We have had her since she was a couple of weeks old. She is a member of our family. She even has her own room. People think we're daft but she's a real member of our family. Her room is empty now. We really want her back. And we won't give up until someone pays for this.

"I know it's a lot of money. But hopefully it will mean someone will come forward and help us." Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting police log number 235EQ26/03/06.