A NATIONAL newspaper and a Bury businessman have put up cash rewards to catch thugs who hurled a puppy to its death from a motorway bridge in Ramsbottom.

The Labrador-mongrel had its paws and jaw bound with tape and was then tossed on to the southbound carriageway of the M66 near Shuttleworth on Monday night.

The dog survived the fall but was killed instantly when it was crushed under the wheels of a Honda Civic at 10.25pm. The car careered out of control and slammed into fencing on the central reservation.

The driver, from Cheetham Hill, was taken to Fairfield General Hospital for treatment to minor injuries and shock.

He told police he could see something wriggling in the road but was unable to avoid hitting it.

Now a local businessman has approached police and offered a £500 cash reward after hearing of the dog's death. Yesterday (Thursday) The Sun also offered £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thugs responsible.

Police and the RSPCA are investigating the killing and are appealing for help from the public to identify the culprits.

Sergeant Chris Nealand, from the Greater Manchester Police motorway unit, said he was shocked and sickened by Monday night's incident. He said: "How anyone can do this to a dog? It is sickening. And someone could have been killed by the poor animal being thrown on to the motorway.

"I would urge anyone who knows the culprits to report them to the police immediately."

RSPCA spokeswoman Heather Holmes added: "This is sickening. It is absolutely horrific that somebody could inflict such terrible distress on an animal."

Anyone with information about the offenders can contact the police on 0161 872 5050, or the RSPCA animal cruelty hotline on 0870 5555 999.