Van thief returns lager-drinking pet - and where else but at a pub?

A DOG has been reunited with its owners after van thieves made off with him in the front seat.

Jack Russell Manny's four-hour ordeal ended when his captors dumped him at the Nag's Head pub, Ainley Top, tied to a lamp-post.

The treasured three-year-old was stolen at about 10.30am yesterday when thieves took the white van of his owner, Garry Doughty.

Garry, 41, was working at a house on Gatesgarth Crescent, Lindley, when his keys and mobile phone were snatched from his jacket pocket.

His partner, Louise Kilty, 39, said: "He just saw the van disappearing, with Manny in the front seat.

"He tried to follow it but it went out of sight."

Police were called and officers were told to look out for the stolen van.

The Bradley couple then faced an agonising wait for news of their pet.

Louise said: "It was just awful.

"Garry rang his stolen phone and the thief answered.

"He promised to bring Manny back, but we were scared he would get run over if he just let him go.

"He is my little baby and Garry thinks the world of him, too.

"I even put him to bed and cover him up at night."

Then at around 2.30pm the thief called to say he would be leaving Manny at the Nag's Head.

When Garry asked about his van and tools he was told it had already been sold.

He was offered the chance to buy back his tools, but he declined.

Louise said: "Garry rang the police straightaway, so they could get a car up there to catch them. But they didn't seem to believe it was going to happen.

"They would have got the thief, but they were just not bothered."

Garry found Manny at the drop-off point unharmed and tied to the lamp- post.

Louise added: "We're so relieved he's back.

"But we won't dare leave him in the van again now.

"He loves going to work with Garry, but he's going to have to stay at home on his own all day now.

"We'll just have to come back at lunchtime to let him out."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Officers did attend the pick-up time, but did not arrive in time to apprehend the offenders.

"They are checking CCTV footage."