A PENSIONER who was involved in a dog-snatch attempt at a Selkirk cemetery has received an apology from Police Scotland.

Last month we revealed how the widower, who we agreed not to name, had to flee through a field to seek help after been followed within Shawfield graveyard.

One of two men who appeared from a white transit van within the cemetery had attempted to close in on the pensioner and his Jack Russell.

And it was only after the dog-owner came across a couple out walking on a nearby road that the suspect gave up the chase.

The pensioner told us: "I walked faster and faster and headed towards another part of the cemetery, but the man, who was on a phone the whole time, also started walking faster.

"When I looked round he was getting closer all the time so I climbed through a hedge and headed across the field to a nearby house.

"He was still coming after us and it was only when I met a couple on the road that he stopped.

"When I walked back down the road with the couple we could see the man running back to the van... they drove out the cemetery at speed.

"They could only have been after one thing and that was my dog."

The matter was reported to Police Scotland.

But within a couple of days of the frightening incident being reported by the Border Telegraph, rival newspapers in Selkirk claimed 'the incident never happened'.

The Selkirk Weekend Advertiser, which has since gone out of business, and the Southern Reporter stated their information came from Police Scotland.

The pensioner told us: "I don't get these papers, but a few people phoned me to tell me what was reported... and it was nothing but lies.

"When I complained to Police Scotland they said they hadn't established if a crime had taken place but they denied that they gave these newspapers any official statement.

"The lady from Police Scotland was extremely apologetic for what happened."

Heather MacIntyre, from the Professional Standards Department, also forwarded a letter to the pensioner.

It stated: "I apologise for the experience you had with Police Scotland on this occasion.

"I now understand that the matter is resolved and that you do not require to pursue the matter further."

Earlier this year a Galashiels man had to fight off two dog snatchers during a similar incident in Galashiels.

The 24-year-old was approached by the men, who also appeared from a white van, in Elm Row before they tried to grab his pedigree pug.

And during the festive season, Georgie and Ed Bell from near Jedburgh believe their two Border Terriers were stolen during a hunt on the Lothian Estates.

There have also been reports of other attempted dog snatches in Kelso and Hawick.

The Stolen And Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPA) believe as many as 60 dogs are being snatched every week across England, Scotland and Wales.