A HEARTBROKEN family is appealing for information about a missing dog which is believed to be in Bolton. 

Chico, a four-year-old male long-haired chihuahua, went missing three weeks ago when he ran out of his house in Gorton, Manchester.

Owner Shelley Kirk said: "We had an anonymous phone call a few days after he went missing with information that he had been picked up and taken to Bolton.

"The last three weeks have just been awful, I've been spending every minute doing everything I can to find him.

"I have two little girls who are distraught. We have had him for four years and he's a big part of our family."

Emily and Isabelle, aged 11 and eight, have been left devastated and the family hopes readers of The Bolton News can help reunite them with Chico. 

Shelley added: "We've had him since he was 12-weeks-old.

"He's gorgeous, very friendly and loving. He's one of the family, he's always with us.

"Him and my eight-year-old are inseparable, they have such a special bond and she especially is feeling his absence. We have tears every day.

"The house just isn't the same without him, he's left a big void.

"I'm so worried about him as he will be frightened and he will be missing us as much as we are missing him. We just want to know he is safe."

The disappearance has been reported to Manchester dog wardens. 

There is a reward on offer for Chico's safe return or any information that leads to his safe return.

Anyone with information is asked to contact dale.haslam@nqnw.co.uk