THE FATHER of a North-East stabbing victim made a heartfelt plea yesterday for the return of his dead son's beloved pet dogs.

Lance Stoker died last Tuesday after being stabbed near his home in Beech Street, Felling, near Gateshead.

He was found bleeding in the street and taken to Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The 24-year-old victim was unmarried and devoted to his two pet dogs, so parents Lance and Carol Stoker arranged for them to be re-homed.

The couple took the dogs to an animal shelter in Benton Lane, Newcastle, last week.

But they disappeared after a break-in at the refuge and Mr Stoker is now pleading for their safe return.

"My wife and I feel that the only thing left that we can do for our son is to make sure his dogs are well cared for," he said.

"We know how much Lance loved his dogs and we feel he won't be able to rest in peace until they are found."

The pets are Peanut, a black and tan Staffordshire bull terrier bitch, aged about three, and 16-month-old Bluey, an Irish Staffordshire bull terrier dog who is of a distinctive blue/grey colour considered very rare in the breed.

Wallsend CID is investigating the break-in, which took place between 5pm last Thursday and 9.30am on Friday. Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Wallsend Crime and Disorder Unit on 0191-214 6555, extension 63333.

The Stokers are offering a £500 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the theft, and the safe return of the dogs.

* Christopher McReady, 22, of Somerset Place, Newcastle, has appeared before magistrates at Gateshead charged with the murder of Lance Stoker. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court at a later date.