AN Ipswich youngster has been is heartbroken today after thieves made off with his beloved pet rabbit.Four-year-old Charlie Newby was devastated to find that lop-eared Alfie had gone missing from his pen last week.

AN Ipswich youngster has been is heartbroken today after thieves made off with his beloved pet rabbit.

Four-year-old Charlie Newby was devastated to find that lop-eared Alfie had gone missing from his pen last week.

And today The Evening Star is offering £100 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the cruel culprits.

Charlie said: "I just want him to come home. We really miss him."

The brown and white rabbit was last seen on June 24 and, despite a frantic search, has still not been found.

Charlie's mum Emma Albin said: "He misses him alot and so do I. We've had him for about a year, and before that he lived with my sister so Charlie was very attached to him."

Miss Albin's sister had rescued him after his previous owners decided they did not want him and began neglecting him.

Alfie, named after Eastenders character Alfie Moon, had been out in his pen in the garden of the family's Howe Avenue home when he disappeared.

Miss Albin, 25, said: "His hutch opens out on to his run and he'd been in there. It's where we always put him when we go out and we've never had any problems before.

"The sides of the pen are really high so there's no way he could have jumped out, he must have been taken."

In the search for Alfie, Miss Albin has visited pet shops across Ipswich in the hope that the thieves have tried to sell him on.

She said: "I know when my friend had hers stolen she went to the pet shop down her road and it was in there. I just assumed that's where Alfie would be, but we've been round so many now that it doesn't look likely.

"We just really want him back and to know that he's alright. I couldn't stand it if people were treating him badly."

If you have any information on Alfie's disappearance contact Pc Clare Dobson on 01473 613500.

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