EXCLUSIVE

By Hayley Robinson

A disabled man has been reunited with his two puppies less than a fortnight after they were stolen.

Double amputee Simon Gambell made an emotional appeal for the safe return of his six-month-old English springer spaniels Dosh and Sky (pictured) on the front page of last week's Sittingbourne Messenger.

He returned home after a night out on Saturday, March 5, to find the front door of his bungalow had been forced and the dogs gone.

A man who bought the dogs in good faith only realised they were stolen when he saw the article. Through friends and family living in the area he made contact with Simon at his home in Burnham Close, Milton Regis.

The 40-year-old who has Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus was reunited with the dogs yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

The good news came just hours after Mr Gambell had his retired gun dog Till aged 20 put to sleep.

He said: "It's been a roller coaster for me this week.

"I'm overwhelmed. I didn't think I would ever see them again.

"I would like to thank the paper, the police and the public for all their help."

The dogs were due to be checked over by a vet today (Thursday) as they are slightly under weight and whoever took the animals tried to dock their tails.

A police spokesman said: "Although the dogs have been returned to their owner a crime has still been committed and we are still investigating."

Anyone with any information is asked to call 01795 419182 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number CY/3477/11