American bulldog puppies stolen and their owner attacked in raid on home

Three puppies were stolen and their owner attacked when thieves burst into their home in Leicester earlier this month, say police.

Three men reportedly entered the property in the Spinney Hills area of the city on Friday, October 5 and assaulted the owner before stealing the American bulldog pups, Leicestershire Police said.

The victim did not require hospital treatment, police said.

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One of the puppies was recovered when officers executed a search warrant at a property in the New Parks area on Monday this week.

The 11-week-old was unnamed when he was stolen and his owner has now decided he should be called Lucky.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and taken into police custody. He has since been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Leicestershire Police says its officers are working to reunite the other two puppies with their owner and to trace those responsible for the raid.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who has encountered people offering to sell puppies similar to Lucky.

Detective Constable Emma Neeves said: “Our priority remains to locate the other two puppies and to further investigate this incident to establish the full facts.

“But we are pleased that we have been able to reunite the owner with one of the puppies at this stage.

“Our work now continues to bring the other two safely home.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and we ask anyone who has any information in relation to this incident, who has heard anything, or who has been offered a puppy of this description for sale recently to make contact with us.”

You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 21*579316.

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