Dog lover William Ashcroft has not slept for weeks after his pet Chihuahua went missing at the Montrose Festival.

Mr Ashcroft, 41, of Rushgrove Avenue, Colindale, said his long-haired pet Rosie was the only thing that has kept him going since his mother died a year ago.

But Mr Ashcroft, who is a carer, claims the eight-year-old dog was stolen as he parked a wheelchair at the festival in Montrose Park, Montrose Avenue, Burnt Oak, on the June 3 Bank Holiday.

"Rosie helped me through my mum's death and my uncle's death a couple of months ago and she was the only thing that I had left," said a tearful Mr Ashcroft.

"All I would say to the person who stole her is please bring her back because I am dying without her I haven't eaten and I haven't slept. I don't know how much more I can take."

A police spokesman said there was no evidence the dog had been stolen and it would have been reported as lost to Battersea Dog's Home.

Anyone with information should call William Ashcroft on 07903 481434 or 020 8205 0806.

June 21, 2002 16:30