A GIRL who dotes on her pets has been left heartbroken after her rabbit was stolen from the family garden.

Emily Walker was devastated on Saturday morning to discover the black and white bunny, called Newcastle, had been taken along with his hutch and toys during the previous night.

Emily, 11, has special needs, including speech problems and learning difficulties, and lacks the confidence to play outside with other children.

Instead she prefers to stay at home in Sunnydale, Shildon, County Durham, and look after her pets, especially Newcastle.

The rabbit, which is four or five years old, has a line of black spots along its back, and black ears. The homemade wooden hutch is about 4ft by 2ft and stands on legs. It is split into two levels.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Emma McCabe on 0345-60-60-365.