Distraught dog owner offers £500 reward after chihuahua Tinkerbell is snatched on Princes Street

An Edinburgh woman has launched an emotional appeal for help after her beloved chihuahua Tinkerbell was snatched in the city centre last night.

Laila Hepburn was walking along Princes Street with her boyfriend at around 7pm on Sunday when a stranger nabbed Tinkerbell out of their hands.

When Laila and her partner challenged the thief, the woman tucked Tinkerbell into her coat and began shouting that it was her dog.

Passersby - without knowing what had happened - leapt to the woman's aid and restrained boyfriend Chris long enough for the thief to escape on a bus.

Laila Hepburn said her other dog, Marley, is distraught without his pal.

The incident happened outside the large Boots store halfway along Princes Street. Laila's family are offering a reward for information.

"People were trying to stop Chris taking the dog back. I've phoned the police but nothing has happened yet.

"Tinkerbell is really well known - people always ask after her and say hello - so everyone is shocked.

Tinkerbell is 'well known' in the local area.

"If you see her please shout 'Tinkerbell' and if she turns round it's her. Please phone the police and try to keep track of her until police turn up."

Cash reward

Laila said that her other dogs Diesel and Marley are distraught at home.

She added: "I’m trying to tell myself that even if I never see her again hopefully she’ll be sold to a nice family who will treat her well but Chris keeps saying ‘imagine what she’s going through right now'."

Tinkerbell was snatched from her owner's on Princes Street on Sunday evening.

Laila's sister has offered a £500 reward for anyone who can help return Tinkerbell to her rightful home.

A police spokesman said: "We were called around 7.10pm on Sunday, November 24 following reports of a theft of a dog on Princess Street. Enquiries are ongoing."