A CORFE MULLEN family are distraught after their beloved family dog disappeared after jumping into a river.

Alexandra Wingfield, 22, her partner Jason Reynolds, 23 and their little son, George, two, were walking along the River Stour by Canford School in Wimborne with their dog, Zack, at around 4.30pm on Sunday.

The ginger Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was wearing a blue leather collar and is microchipped, decided to jump in the water, which Alexandra said is completely out of character because Zack cannot swim.

"We have never been there before. He just jumped in, then panicked and he kept going in to the water. My partner, Jason, went in after him and tried to get him, but eventually he said 'You have to let him go.' Obviously the current was too strong and he disappeared.

"Zack can't swim. I don't know why he jumped in."

She said that the family spent around two hours looking for their dog, with the help of some other people who were out walking their dog at the time, but with no success.

They eventually had to go home to feed their son. She said that some people are hoping to have another look for Zack today in the hope that he can be found.

"Me and my family just need closure. George just keeps looking round the house for him. We just want to find him and if something has happened to him, then we want to lay him to rest. We just want to know where he is."

Anyone who believes that they have seen Zack can contact Alexandra on 07542 219951.