'Too late Charlie's dead' - chilling message sent by sick blackmailer to Tipton family 'held to ransom' over their pet dog

Andrejus Snigir and partner Olivia Spionkowska, from Dudley Port, Tipton, were left devastated after their beagle disappeared while on a walk on the Sheepwash Nature Reserve.

They were then put through a week-long ordeal by an anonymous man who claimed to know where Charlie was and demanded cash for him to be returned.

Their cruel tormentor then claimed their pet was dead and went to the lengths of sending a picture appearing to be of a dead beagle.

After putting up flyers the couple, of John's Lane, received a phone call from a man who claimed he had seen a distressed-looking Charlie with three men talking about dog fighting.

The mystery caller then started bombarding them with texts saying that he had Charlie and was willing to reunite them, but only if he was given a reward for his services.

Minutes later he threatened to 'put Charlie in his curry' before saying 'right Charlie's having it'. His actions then reached a new level when he sent a sickening image of a beagle hanging by the neck from a rope.

However, Mr Snigir and Ms Spionkowska do not think the dog in the picture is Charlie as, despite similar fur patterns, it looks bigger and are no clearer about where Charlie is or if he is alive.

The blackmailer is believed to have since claimed his actions were just a prank after he was bombarded by calls when his phone number was posted on Facebook.

West Midlands Police has launched an investigation.

Mr Snigir, aged 29, who is a warehouse team leader, said: "He's just one of those people who shouldn't be walking this earth - you don't do things like that.

"Looking at the picture we don't think it's him - the dog was a bit too chubby to be Charlie. Thankfully we thought this quite quickly but we would have been devastated if it was him.

"They think it's funny to make fun of someone's misery, it's just wrong."

Charlie was bought as a puppy to keep Ms Spionkowska company while she was at home on maternity leave.

He has grown up with their 10-month-old daughter Sofija and become 'part of the family'.

Mr Snigir, who is originally from Lithuania, said: "The house is so empty without him. Every time my partner and I talk about him we just get emotional because pets are part of your family. It's devastating."

Charlie was enjoying a walk at 5.30pm on Saturday when disappeared after chasing a cat.

After searching for two hours until it went dark he went home and made 150 posters to put up on Sunday.

They were then sent a flurry of texts over 45 minutes by the man who toyed with them by saying he was at a series of locations but failing to show when Mr Snigir went to meet him.

He eventually texted 'not want ya dog then? I'm taking him home with me then' and 11 minutes later messaged them saying 'too late Charlie's dead'.

Despite telling them that Charlie was dead, the callous texter sent a final burst of messages claiming they could have the dog back if they placed money in his bank account.

When he received no reply a final chilling message of 'right Charlie's having it' was sent.

After blocking the sender another number, who they believe is the same person, sent a picture of a hanged beagle the following day.

Mr Snigir said: 'The whole thing is devastating. If anyone does know where he is there would be no questions asked, we just want him back home."

Ms Spionkowska, 31, said: 'Charlie is not just a dog, he is a member of the family.

"We had him when I was pregnant and because we were always together he became like a son to me.

"Charlie is perfect in every way - I can't imagine that any family could love him more.'

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman Sharn Braich said: "A man came into West Bromwich front office at 2.55pm on October 12 to report that his dog had been stolen.

"An appointment has been made to speak to the man again on Friday, October 14 to look at the allegation in more detail."