Armed robbers steal eight newborn puppies after threatening pregnant owner and her children at knifepoint

Day-old dogs feared likely to die unless they are quickly reunited with mother

Armed robbers stole eight newborn puppies after breaking into a family’s home and threatening a pregnant mother and her young children with a knife.

Greater Manchester Police have launched a manhunt for two men who forced their way into a house in Stretford and took the day-old French Bulldog litter.

They demanded cash and mobile phones from the 26-year-old woman, who is six-months pregnant, before stealing the puppies and fleeing.

Detectives said the dogs were unlikely to survive for long without their mother because they were so young.

Police have released CCTV footage of two men wanted in connection with the robbery in Alpha Road at 9.50pm on Tuesday.

Detective Sergeant Dave Jones said: “It’s completely shocking that a pregnant woman and her three young children have faced such a terrifying ordeal, and we are determined to find the men responsible.

“As well as finding the offenders, an immediate priority is to find these puppies.

“They are only a day old, and they won’t survive for long without their mum, so they need to be brought home as soon as possible.

“I need anyone with information about the whereabouts of the puppies, or the men responsible, to please contact police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information can contact police 0161 856 7747 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.