TWO businessmen from York have put up a £1,000 reward for the person who gives information to the police that leads to the conviction of the "Knavesmire poisoner".

Fears a poisoner is deliberately leaving arsenic on Knavesmire sparked warnings from police and council chiefs, after a dog died only an hour after eating bread left on a path near York Racecourse.

Other dogs also became severely ill within minutes of eating items found on the field or in Knavesmire wood.

Steve Woodley, 40, and Sam Shaw, 25, who own ASW Construction and both have dogs, have put up the money. Mr Woodley, who owns a boxer named Hattie, said: "We're offering the reward because it's very upsetting. We're hoping that other people will add to the reward - we're ultimately hoping if someone knows something it will encourage them to get in contact with the police and ultimately to stop it.

"I can't imagine anything worse as a dog owner - it's a terrible thing to do."

Vet Lesley Edwards, who fought to save the dog that died, said: "I think that's a very generous offer because there are a lot of animal lovers out there who are horrified about what is happening."

The news comes after The Press revealed how parents and animal lovers were yesterday warned to be on their guard at the popular walking spot.