Boy, 13, becomes victim of brutal dognapping pair in Hampshire
Boy, 13, becomes victim of brutal dognapping pair as he walks to his grandmother’s house
- Mark Brotherton’s 13-year-old son was walking the family’s dog Melchy
- A pair of men approached the youngster and asked them about the terrier
- One of the men unclipped Melchy’s leash while pushing away the young boy
- Melchy was returned earlier today left in a park near Mr Brotherton’s home
Shocking footage shows the moment thieves cruelly snatched a dog from a 13 year old boy while he was walking it – leading to a £10,000 reward being offered for the terrier’s return.
Samuel Brotherton can be heard screaming ‘no, no, please stop’ as the two men stole his beloved border terrier cross Melchy, which has since been safely returned.
The teenager was walking the pet to his grandmother’s on Tuesday at 5.30pm when the thieves pushed him to the ground in broad daylight, forcefully took the dog, and left in a car.
A nearby doorbell camera filmed the distressing robbery as it unfolded and captures Samuel desperately pleading with them.
This is the moment a young boy is approached by two men in a Volvo in Horndean, Hampshire
The men asked the youngster about his dog, Melchy, before bundling the pet into their car
Hampshire Police said they are seeking two men in connection with the incident
Samuel was left ‘traumatised’ and his parents, Mark and Donna Brotherton, offered £10,000 for Melchy’s safe return as a huge social media appeal was sparked.
However, less than 17 hours after the heartless robbery in Horndean, Hampshire, the guilt-ridden thieves anonymously phoned Melchy’s owners saying he would be returned.
Today, Mr Brotherton, 46, took a call from a dog-walker who spotted Melchy in a park just 10 minutes from their home in Horndean.
Mrs Brotherton, a 34 year old veterinary nurse, thanked the huge social media appeal and said her son had been left devastated.
She said: ‘I’m utterly relieved – I never ever thought we’d be back in this position.
‘I never thought I’d see him again. It’s only the support and people rallying around that we’ve got him back.
Melchy the highland terrier, pictured, was stolen last night before being returned earlier today
‘Samuel is absolutely relieved. I don’t know what we would have done if he wasn’t back.
‘It’s a pretty traumatising experience but he’s a strong boy.’
Land surveyor Mr Brotherton added: ‘It’s phenomenal. I don’t know what to say – my family are beside themselves.
‘He’s home and safe. It’s the best outcome we could have hoped for.
‘I had an anonymous call to say that Melchy would be returned to us within the hour.
‘Shortly after that we got a call from someone walking their dog in Jubilee Park to say there was a dog racing around there and they thought it was ours.
‘I got down there – there’s a nursery down there – they fenced him in.
‘He was very pleased to see me. It’s one of the best feelings ever to get a lost dog back and to know my son will get his dog back.
‘It was such a result after a sleepless night – just wonderful.’
Mr Brotherton offered a £10,000 reward but no-one claimed it.
Melchy, who was micro-chipped, will get a new collar after returning without one.
The men, who drove off in a blue Volvo, asked Samuel for Melchy’s name when they took the dog.
Hampshire Constabulary are investigating.
A spokeswoman said: ‘Our investigation into this incident is ongoing and we continue to appeal for any witnesses to come forward to assist our investigation.’
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