By Katie Davies AN unlikely Batman and Robin duo have stepped in to fight crime on Hampstead Heath – comedians Jonathan Ross and Ricky Gervais. The two stars have launched a campaign to save a Hampstead puppy which was first reported dog-napped in the Ham

By Katie Davies

AN unlikely Batman and Robin duo have stepped in to fight crime on Hampstead Heath - comedians Jonathan Ross and Ricky Gervais.

The two stars have launched a campaign to save a Hampstead puppy which was first reported dog-napped in the Ham&High last week.

Manon, an eight-month-old whippet from Fordwych Road, was stolen while out with a dog walker on the Heath on Wednesday June 25.

The Hampstead celebrities were so touched by the tale in their "manor" they have offered £1,000 each as a reward.

Speaking on Mr Ross's Radio 2 show at the weekend, Mr Gervais said: "I am doing an appeal for this stolen dog. This lovely little whippet puppy was stolen this week from Hampstead Heath. It's a little eight-month-old whippet puppy. It was stolen on Hampstead Heath and they know it's stolen because its collar was discarded.

"It's fawn and it's got little tiger stripes and grey eyes. It's beautiful and the reason we've got to do a national appeal is that these dogs aren't usually found in the local area. The people who steal them then take them to Southampton or Kent and sell them.

"There's a clock ticking becau-se it's on a special diet under veterinary supervision so they won't be feeding it right, because they won't know it needs this diet."

Mr Gervais recently got involved in helping a neighbour find a missing cat and acknowledged he now has a reputation in the area.

"I am known as the dog finder - I've done this once before," he said.

Mr Ross said he'd seen the story in his "local paper" and agreed to double his pal's cash gift.

He urged anyone who had bought a puppy which looks like Manon to take it to the vet to check if it is micro-chipped.

The pair also urged listeners to take Manon to Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green if they find her.

Manon's owner Terri Berg, who has enlisted the help of private investigators, a clairvoyant and the country's top dog trainers for the search, was grateful for the celebrities' involvement.

The pup has already been revealed to be the country's most pampered pooch with painted toe nails and a collection of designer collars - so it's fitting that the rich and famous are taking note.

"It's wonderful and lovely and I am very grateful to them," Ms Berg said. "This has increased the reward I put forward to £3,000.

"There are several strong leads which the private investigators are following up.

"I won't let up until I find Manon. I have the resources to keep this up and I will not rest until I find my baby.