(Original headline: Psychic detective finds lost collie )
When Sparky the English collie disappeared from the family home, there was only one man to call.
And though his technique was a touch unorthodox, TV psychic Ian Lawman was on the case like a bloodhound – and used his powers to find his friend's beloved pet, in what sounds like the ultimate shaggy dog story.
The star of scary programmes Most Haunted and Famous and Frightened was able to conjure up images of Sparky as he lay injured in a ditch on a football field, so that his owner could find him.
Psychic cynic Des Comerford, who lives near Scunthorpe, was devastated when his 15-year-old family pet disappeared, and after three days of searching decided to call in the help of his old schoolfriend Mr Lawman.
Within half-an-hour the star, also from Scunthorpe, had visualised the spot where Lassie-lookalike Sparky was lying injured.
The lucky dog was found and is now making a full recovery at home.
Mr Comerford said Mr Lawman's powers had left him stunned. "I can state categorically that without his help I would have never found Sparky and he would probably have died,"he said. "I had reached a point of desperation after three days. We had the whole village out looking for him and we didn't even get close.
"I've known Ian for years and, to be honest, I've never completely believed in what he does, but I just called him up and said I would try anything to get him back."
Mr Comerford said 10 minutes after first speaking to Mr Lawman, the psychic rang him to say he had seen a vision of Sparky.
"He said he had seen freshly cut grass and the dog turning left," he said. "Then he mentioned this place called Scotter, a football pitch with no goalposts and a ditch. He said Sparky was lying in the ditch, injured, but probably still alive.
"Everything seemed to be ringing true. Ian said I should try Scotter United Football Club."
Mr Comerford rang the club and asked the groundsman to search for Sparky. Within half-an-hour the dog was found in a ditch, half submerged in water with an injured hip.
Mr Lawman said: "It's just a gift I have. If I meditate on a subject I just start seeing things. I had a clear picture of where Sparky was lying and Des did the rest."
