Emma Bunton's dog Phoebe 'found dead on railway tracks' after 'biggest ever' search

The star last night paid tribute to her beloved pet in posts on the social networking site Twitter, which had driven the search

Spice Girls star Emma Bunton's pet dog has been found dead on railway tracks after a member of the public alerted a search team, it was reported today.

Bunton launched the 'biggest ever' search for a missing dog this week, but in a tragic turn of events the animal was found dead two days after it dissapeared.

Bunton, 37, said she was ‘devastated’ at the loss of her 'precious' pet which was a birthday present from her partner Jade Jones, and a much-loved companion for the last six years.]]

The star last night paid tribute to her beloved pet in posts on the social networking site Twitter, which had driven the search.

‘To all the amazing people who supported us at this horrible time. Our precious Phoebe has been found and it’s terrible news. We are devastated,’ she Tweeted to her 892,000 followers.

Former police officer Tom Watkins, who was enlisted to help find the missing dog, said he thought the accident occurred on Monday shortly after the dog went missing.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "‘That is where she was found, lying between the tracks. It is very sad but at least now the family have closure. Network Rail was contacted and a worker went on to the track and retrieved the body.

‘She must have slipped under the fence and been hit by a train. I believe the accident happened on Monday, shortly after she went missing.’

He added: "Phoebe is now with her owners."

Emma's long-term partner Jade Jones wrote on Twitter: "Thank you everyone for your amazing support. Our precious Phoebe has been found and its terrible news. Devastated.. Love you Phoebe always.X"