A police hunt has begun to trace a rare lilac-coloured puppy worth £16,000 stolen by a thief posing as a potential buyer.
The British Bulldog puppy was taken from a breeder’s home in Tadworth, Surrey, at around 8pm on Saturday by a man pretending he was going to buy it.
But when he was given the eight-week old puppy, named Lila, to hold he raced out of the house and assaulted a relative of the breeder before making off in his car outside.
As he reversed he also nearly ran over the daughter of the dog breeder.
Police said the man was black, of medium build, white short black afro style hair and was missing one of his top teeth.
The man driving the car waiting outside was white, with a pointy nose and wearing a black cap.
Police are urging anybody who has been offered the puppy or has information about the animal to get in touch.
Detective Constable Eloise Lock said: “This was a nasty incident which has left the dog breeder and her family distressed.
“The puppy is extremely distinguishable and rare because of its colour. We are hoping because of that the public can help us reunite it with the owner.”
Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference number 45140087810, or alternatively call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
